Singapore and Laos strengthened ties during an introductory courtesy call in Vientiane, underscoring shared priorities in human capital development, clean energy and regional cooperation.
A Singapore official paid an introductory courtesy call on Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Phongsamouth Anlavan and Director-General of the Asia-Pacific and Africa Department Bounthanongsack Chanthalath in Vientiane. The meeting highlighted the close and growing relationship between Singapore and Laos, and reinforced a shared commitment to advancing cooperation across key development areas.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Singapore and Laos, built on strong ASEAN ties and mutual aspirations as small, open economies in a dynamic region. They expressed interest in strengthening cooperation to support sustainable economic and social development. Singapore reiterated its commitment to continue collaborating with Laos, particularly in capacity-building and skills development.
The Singapore representative noted that more than 17,000 Lao officials have participated in the Singapore Cooperation Programme, making Laos one of Singapore’s key development partners. Human resource development was identified as a core pillar of bilateral cooperation, reflecting both countries’ belief in investing in people as a foundation for national progress.
The discussions also underscored growing cooperation in clean energy, including efforts supporting carbon-neutral development and technology-driven growth. Both sides recognised the importance of energy connectivity in Southeast Asia, with ongoing collaboration contributing to regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid. Opportunities in Laos’ agriculture and forestry sectors, including climate-resilient rice research and carbon credit cooperation, were also discussed.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of both countries’ readiness to work closely together to advance shared priorities and explore new avenues of cooperation for the benefit of their peoples and the wider region.
Source: Singapore Embassy in Viantiane
