Lao President pledges continued support for Myanmar at international and ASEAN forums

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith reaffirmed Laos' continued support for Myanmar at international and ASEAN forums during talks with Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing, who is paying a state visit to Laos at the invitation of the Lao leader.

The two Presidents met at the Lao Presidential Palace on the morning of July 3, where they discussed the longstanding friendship and mutual support between the two countries, as well as ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Their discussions covered the establishment of the Myanmar–Laos Friendship Association and the Laos–Myanmar Friendship Association, enhanced cooperation between the two parliaments, and measures to expand bilateral trade.

The two leaders also explored opportunities to increase the flow of goods and people through the Myanmar–Laos Friendship Bridge, promote cooperation in the defence, tourism and manufacturing sectors, improve livelihoods in border areas, and enhance border stability and peace.

In addition, they exchanged views on Myanmar's ongoing efforts to combat online gambling, including the systematic destruction of confiscated gambling-related equipment and the demolition of illegal buildings. They also discussed closer bilateral cooperation to eliminate online gambling and further strengthen friendship and collaboration between the two countries.

During the meeting, President Thongloun Sisoulith stated that Laos would continue to stand by Myanmar at international and ASEAN forums.

Following the talks, the two sides witnessed the signing and exchange of several memorandums of understanding and agreements. These included an MoU on tourism cooperation between Myanmar's Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture and Laos' Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as an MoU establishing a sister-city relationship between Nay Pyi Taw and Vientiane. The agreements were signed by relevant officials in the presence of the two Presidents.

Myanmar also donated 640 Myanmar-made antivenoms to Laos. The donation was presented by Union Minister of the President's Office U Khin Maung Yi and received by a representative of the Lao government.