Belarusian parliamentarians met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Laos. What is Minsk ready to offer Vientiane?

Today, November 6, the Council of the Republic hosted a meeting of Chairman Natalia Kochanova with the delegation of Laos led by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Thongsavan Fomvihan. The parties discussed the strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation and interaction of the countries in the economy and humanitarian sphere, the correspondent of sb.by reports.

- Our relations have always been distinguished by mutual understanding and trust. Close contacts at the highest level, established back in the Soviet years, are being developed today, and we are sincerely happy with today’s talks in Belarus. I can confidently say that this is an excellent groundwork for deepening our cooperation.

As Natalia Kochanova noted, the bilateral partnership is based on a solid foundation of long-term friendship:

- Friendship groups have been established and are active in our parliaments. We are convinced of the need to develop the practice of mutual visits and intend to invite our Lao colleagues to Belarus to determine further ways of cooperation. We must update the existing legal framework in a timely manner, taking into account modern realities.

The parties agreed that parliamentary diplomacy and regular exchange of delegations play a crucial role in the implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level.

In addition, the focus was on trade and economic cooperation. The Speaker of the Council of the Republic stressed Belarus’ readiness not only to supply demanded products, but also to develop deep production cooperation

- We are ready not only to supply goods on a mutually beneficial basis. Today, Belarus has serious competencies in the production of agricultural and other types of machinery, as well as light industry. The main thing is that we are ready to create joint assembly plants, train specialists and provide full service.

Discussing a wide range of cooperation, the parties paid special attention to the humanitarian sphere, the exchange of experience in the field of health and education, as well as interregional ties. Natalia Kochanova stressed the importance of humanitarian contacts and the successes of Belarus in social policy:

- Humanitarian cooperation is extremely important for us, including the training of Lao students in our universities. The education and health care system in Belarus is developed at a high level, we are leaders in a number of indicators, including in maternal and child health. We pay great attention to demography and strengthening family values.

- We are very pleased that representatives of Laos women's and youth organizations are taking part in our major events and forums. Public diplomacy and friendship between people play a huge role in bringing our countries closer together.

A special emphasis was placed on the development of interregional cooperation, which serves as a solid foundation for expanding trade, economic and cultural ties

- Regional cooperation is of key importance to us. We need to actively develop direct contacts between regions, enterprises and organizations. This format of work through regional forums, which we successfully practice with our key partners, has already proved its highest efficiency.

On the eve of the Laos delegation, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeenko also met. Laos has been and remains a reliable partner of Belarus for building relations with many countries of Southeast Asia

I am confident that your visit will give a new impetus to the development of trade, economic and humanitarian ties between Belarus and Laos. This is especially relevant in the context of the meeting of the Presidents of our countries on the sidelines of the SCO summit in September in Bishkek.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives appealed to the President of Belarus that Belarus sees Laos as a pivot point for the development of relations with the countries of Southeast Asia. In this regard, we need to start more intensive joint work, including in the parliamentary dimension.

Igor Sergeenko also noted that in October in Baku, on the sidelines of the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, he held a substantive meeting with the President of Laos, and received an important official approval of the application for membership in the organization.

- In 2024, as part of my official visit to Laos and participation in the 45th ASEAN IPA General Assembly, meetings were held with the leaders of Laos: the Prime Minister and the current President of the Parliament, the Minister of Planning and Investment. Effective negotiations were held with the President of the National Assembly. During these two years, following the visit, many agreements have already been implemented at the state level. So, in September 2025, a regular meeting of the joint commission on bilateral cooperation was held in Vientiane, deputies also take part in the work of this commission. Intergovernmental agreements on export crediting and visa-free travel on general civil passports have been concluded. Friendship groups are actively working, he said.

Belarus is grateful to the Lao side for its principled position and unwavering support for initiatives, including in international and parliamentary organizations.

- In June of this year, an international forum dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War was held in Brest. It was attended by 16 delegations. We are grateful to the ambassador of your country for participating in this forum, he said.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives drew attention to the fact that Belarus counts on the assistance of Laos in the positive consideration of the application for accession to the Treaty of Amity on Cooperation in Southeast Asia, which will serve as a positive signal for the establishment of trade relations.

- It is time to raise the issues of trade and economic cooperation to the level of our political contacts. All the more potential exists. And in the field of engineering, agriculture, and a number of other areas of economic nature. Belarus intends to further develop the legal framework, taking into account the realities of today, if necessary. We have common goals – peace, security, economic development and, ultimately, the well-being of our citizens, Igor Sergeenko said. Rachkov: Belarus is interested in deepening cooperation with Laos in all areas n

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