President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, education, defense, and digital innovation as the Philippines and Laos marked 70 years of diplomatic ties.
During a bilateral meeting at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the two leaders identified strategic areas for collaboration, including agriculture, AI, and skills development.
Marcos highlighted the nearly doubled trade volume between the nations, while also proposing direct Manila–Vientiane flights to boost tourism and connectivity.
Siphandone praised the contributions of the Filipino community in Laos and encouraged further Philippine investments in clean energy, health, and infrastructure.
The Laotian prime minister also invited Marcos for a state visit, reinforcing a shared commitment to stronger regional integration and growth.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 27, 2025
