VIENTIANE, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Laos and Belarus have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov led a delegation on an official visit to Laos from Wednesday to Friday at the invitation of Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Lao News Agency reported on Friday.
The two sides held official talks in Lao capital Vientiane to explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on strengthening ties between the two nations.
In his remarks, Thongsavanh underscored the significance of the visit in enhancing diplomatic relations and expanding collaboration, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks.
The ministers praised the longstanding partnership between Laos and Belarus and highlighted key areas of cooperation, including politics, security, trade, finance, education, tourism, health, energy, and mining.
They also reaffirmed their mutual support in regional and international forums, particularly within the United Nations.
During the talks, both sides agreed to boost trade and investment in mutually beneficial sectors and to strengthen people-to-people ties through education and tourism. They also committed to implementing existing agreements and cooperation frameworks while expanding collaboration in energy, mining, health, and cultural exchange.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders, aimed at facilitating travel and enhancing connectivity between the two nations. ■
