President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting on the sidelines of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Lapu-Lapu City.
The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade, energy security, digital transformation, and efforts to combat transnational crime.
In a post on his official Facebook account, Marcos said he was pleased to meet again with Siphandone as both countries continue to deepen relations more than 70 years after establishing diplomatic ties.
“It was a pleasure to meet once again with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of Lao PDR,” Marcos said.
The President added that the discussions also covered development initiatives aimed at creating more economic opportunities for Filipinos and the people of Laos.
The Philippines and Laos formally established diplomatic relations on January 14, 1955.
The meeting was among several bilateral engagements held by Marcos during the ASEAN Summit, where regional leaders discussed economic cooperation, regional security, sustainability, and digital connectivity.