Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan highlights bilateral achievements and future collaborations during the Singapore Cooperation Programme Alumni Reception in Laos.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, delivered remarks at the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) Alumni Reception in Vientiane, Laos, on January 27, 2024. The event marked the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Laos.
The reception was attended by various dignitaries, including Your Excellency Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Head of the Committee for External Relations, Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, along with other distinguished guests.
Expressing gratitude for the attendees’ efforts on a Saturday, Minister Balakrishnan acknowledged the significant role of SCP alumni in strengthening the ties between the two nations. He emphasized the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and highlighted key collaborative projects.
One notable project is the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, initiated in 2022. This project, Singapore’s first import of renewable energy, involves bringing up to 100 megawatts of hydroelectricity from Laos to power approximately 140,000 households. Minister Balakrishnan underscored the project’s significance in demonstrating the feasibility of the ASEAN Power Grid, contributing to regional energy security through cross-border energy trading.
Additionally, both countries are actively collaborating on sustainability, aiming to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Carbon Credits Collaboration aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The minister encouraged officials from both sides to work towards an expeditious Implementation Agreement on Carbon Credits Collaboration, fostering mutually beneficial economic opportunities for private companies.
Minister Balakrishnan also highlighted Singapore’s enduring support for Laos’ development, hosting over 16,000 officials from Laos through the SCP. He acknowledged the alumni present as part of the SCP family and mentioned the Laos-Singapore Cooperation Centre, established in 2001 to facilitate the development of human talents and resource capabilities. also, emphasized the lifelong friendships forged through SCP courses and shared heartwarming anecdotes, illustrating the strong bonds of trust and goodwill between the nations.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Addressing the role of the SCP in Singapore’s early years, Minister Balakrishnan emphasized the commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia. He expressed confidence in Laos’ potential and reiterated Singapore’s support for Laos as it assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Balakrishnan called on all attendees to renew their mutual commitment to maintaining the strong ties between the two countries. He extended wishes for a successful year of ASEAN Chairmanship for Laos, emphasizing the prosperity and happiness of the Lao people.
Source – MFA
