(KPL) On October 18, 2024, President of the National Assembly of Laos, Mr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Mr. Seah Kian Peng, during the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly, hosted by the Lao PDR.
Mr. Xaysomphone commended Mr. Seah’s visit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Singapore. He highlighted the importance of the visit in strengthening the longstanding bilateral ties.
Over the past five decades, Laos-Singapore relations have steadily developed, marked by regular exchanges between high-ranking leaders. The two countries cooperate in various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, education, and tourism.
Bilateral trade between 2018 and 2023 amounted to USD 451.4 million, with 5,824 Singaporean tourists visiting Laos in 2023. Additionally, 18 Lao students are currently studying in Singapore. Singapore’s investment in Laos reached USD 362 million in 2023, with 83 projects,
placing Singapore 10th among foreign investors in the country.
Singapore has also provided assistance to Laos through training programs, seminars, disaster relief, and support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Laos continues to focus on its connectivity policy, aiming to transform from a landlocked country to a regional hub. The Lao-China railway is viewed as a key asset for transporting goods and boosting tourism between ASEAN countries, China, and beyond.
The National Assembly of Laos and the Parliament of Singapore maintain cooperative ties, exchanging information and lessons on legislative roles, economic development, investment, and environmental management. Both parliaments actively support each other in regional and international forums, including AIPA, IPU, and APPF.
Mr. Xaysomphone proposed continuing the exchange of delegations at various levels to share lessons, hold joint seminars and training sessions, and promote further implementation of agreements and cooperation projects. He also encouraged b
oth governments to continue their mutual support on the regional and international stage.
Source: Lao News Agency