Tianjin: Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Mr. Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), following President Thongloun Sisoulith’s participation in the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin.
According to Lao News Agency, the discussions included expressions of gratitude from the Lao side for the support received from the SCO and its member states regarding Lao PDR’s admission as a Dialogue Partner. The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of the SCO’s role in fostering peace, security, and development, and reiterated Laos’ commitment to contributing actively to SCO cooperation initiatives.
The SCO Secretary-General expressed his welcome to Laos as a new Dialogue Partner and conveyed his satisfaction with the country’s proactive engagement. He provided insights into the scope of cooperation that falls under the SCO framework.
Both parties agreed to initiate consultations focusing on priority areas for future collaboration, aiming to draft memoranda of understanding in sectors such as political and security cooperation, socio-economic development, sustainable development, and infrastructure connectivity. A particular focus was placed on the Laos-China Railway as a strategic project that aims to transform Laos from a landlocked nation to a land-linked state, thereby enhancing regional integration across the Eurasian continent.
The meeting highlighted the mutual commitment to peace, friendship, and cooperative development in the region and beyond.
