KPL
The National Assembly recently hosted the 7th Meeting between the National Assembly of Laos and the European Parliament, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening long-standing cooperation and expanding dialogue on regional and global issues.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lao National Assembly, and Wouter Beke, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN, during Beke’s working visit to Laos from May 24–28.
During the talks, both sides reviewed more than five decades of relations since the Lao PDR and the European Union established diplomatic ties on Nov. 21, 1975. Officials noted continued cooperation through regular exchanges of delegations and collaboration across multiple sectors.
Delegates also exchanged views and experiences on socio-economic development, human rights, trade and investment, as well as regional and international developments and other issues of mutual interest.
The discussions were aimed at further strengthening relations between Laos and the European Union, as well as cooperation between the Lao National Assembly and the European Parliament.
As part of the visit, the European Parliament delegation paid a courtesy call on National Assembly President Saysomphone Phomvihane, who praised the outcomes of the discussions and highlighted the importance of sharing legislative experience and improving the quality of parliamentary work.
Saysomphone also briefed the delegation on recent developments in Laos and the activities of the National Assembly.
During meetings at the National Assembly, Wouter Beke thanked Lao officials for their warm hospitality and expressed support for continuing regular exchanges and bilateral meetings to deepen ties between the two legislative bodies.
The European Parliament delegation also met with Laos’ deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, the deputy minister of technology and communications, and the deputy minister of industry and commerce.
In addition, the delegation visited the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, cultural sites in Vientiane, and several European Union-supported projects in Luang Prabang Province, including Luang Prabang Technical Vocational College.
