Prime Minister Lawrence Wong welcomed Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation to Singapore, highlighting the enduring friendship and shared challenges of both nations during an official lunch marking 50 years of diplomatic relations.
On 9 July 2024, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a toast speech at an official lunch in honor of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The event marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Laos. Distinguished guests included Excellencies and high-level delegates from both nations.
Prime Minister Wong began by extending a warm welcome to PM Sonexay and his delegation, recalling the historic visit of Lao Prime Minister Khamtay Siphandone to Singapore in 1995. He emphasized the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries, which has grown over the years despite global changes.
To symbolize the long-lasting partnership, PM Wong announced the launch of a 50th anniversary logo resembling the infinity symbol. He highlighted PM Sonexay’s familiarity with Singapore, noting his previous visits in 2015 and participation in the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship Programme.
PM Wong spoke about the shared challenges faced by both nations due to their geographical constraints—Laos being land-locked and Singapore being “sea-locked.” He stressed their common interests in maintaining an open, stable, and rules-based global order and praised Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP) as an example of converting geographical challenges into opportunities. This project enables Laos to export its green energy to Singapore, marking Singapore’s first import of renewable energy. He expressed optimism for the project’s second phase and its alignment with Laos’ ambitions to become the “Battery of ASEAN.”
PM Wong also mentioned the signing of the MOU on Carbon Credits Collaboration, which aligns with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. He emphasized the potential for this collaboration to help both countries achieve climate targets, promote sustainable development, and foster clean technology deployment.
He underscored the importance of human capital development, noting Singapore’s support for Laos through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, which has hosted over 16,500 Lao officials. He also highlighted the renewal of the Education Cooperation MOU, aimed at sharing best practices and fostering closer youth relations.
The Prime Minister mentioned growing interest from Singaporeans in Laos, with student groups and businesses exploring opportunities in various sectors such as infrastructure, logistics, and tourism. He shared the example of Singapore entrepreneur Benny Kong, who supports Laos’ “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign.
PM Wong concluded by expressing his commitment to working with PM Sonexay to advance common interests bilaterally and within ASEAN. He looked forward to visiting Laos later in the year for the ASEAN Summits.
In his toast, PM Wong wished good health and success to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, PM Sonexay, and his delegation, and celebrated the enduring friendship between Singapore and Laos.
Source – PMO
