Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Albert Chua co-chairs the first-ever Singapore-Lao PDR Bilateral Consultations in Vientiane.

Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Albert Chua is on a working visit to Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Permanent Secretary Chua and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR Thongphane Savanphet co-chaired the inaugural Singapore-Lao PDR Bilateral Consultations (SLBC) today.

          Permanent Secretary Chua and Deputy Minister Thongphane reaffirmed the warm relations between Singapore and Lao PDR which are underpinned by enduring people-to-people ties at all levels and a shared emphasis on human capital development. Both sides reviewed the good progress in bilateral cooperation, including in the area of trade and investment, particularly in renewable energy and connectivity. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, which serves as a pathfinder toward realising an ASEAN Power Grid. Both sides discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in emerging areas including sustainability, climate change and healthcare. Permanent Secretary Chua expressed Singapore’s support for a successful ASEAN Chairmanship by Lao PDR in 2024, including through the Singapore-Laos Enhanced Cooperation Package which was announced in September 2022.

          In addition, Permanent Secretary Chua and Deputy Minister Thongphane exchanged views on regional and international developments. They emphasised the importance of ASEAN Centrality, maintaining an open and inclusive regional architecture and deepening regional economic integration.

          Permanent Secretary Chua also called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith today. They looked forward to stepping up high-level exchanges as both countries commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay briefed Permanent Secretary Chua on Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship priorities and theme. Permanent Secretary Chua assured Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay of Singapore’s support for Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship.

Source – MFA SIngapore