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| Chargé d’Affaires at the Australian Embassy in Laos, Ms Benita Sommerville (left), and Head of Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Bovonethat Douangchak, co-chair a Laos-Australia seminar on multilateral cooperation in Vientiane on Thursday. |
Laos, Australia express support for multilateral cooperation
Laos and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation and dialogue as strategic competition and global uncertainty reshape the international landscape.
Speaking at a seminar in Vientiane on Thursday, Head of Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Bovonethat Douangchak, said “Uncertainty should not lead us towards division or isolation. Rather, it should encourage us to deepen dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and renew our commitment to multilateral cooperation.”
The Institute of Foreign Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Australian Embassy in Laos co-hosted the half-day seminar, titled Laos-Australia Perspectives on Multilateralism amid Strategic Uncertainty.
The event was co-chaired by Mr Bovonethat and Chargé d’Affaires at the Australian Embassy in Laos, Ms Benita Sommerville. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission, the Lao Diplomat Club and other bodies attended the seminar.
Mr Bovonethat said no country could effectively address today’s challenges alone and stressed the importance of a stable, predictable and rules-based international environment, especially for developing countries and small and medium-sized states.
He reaffirmed Laos’ support for the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
He said multilateralism has long been an important pillar of Lao foreign policy and that the country remains committed to constructive engagement with all countries and partners.
Sustainable peace and development are best achieved through cooperation rather than confrontation, inclusiveness rather than exclusion, and mutual respect rather than division, Mr Bovonethat said.
Ms Sommerville observed that Australia and Laos have maintained 74 years of diplomatic relations built on mutual respect, understanding and close cooperation.
She noted that the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2024, reflecting a shared commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and regional engagement.
“Today, the Laos-Australia partnership is more important than ever as we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape,” Ms Sommerville said.
Multilateralism is essential because it enables countries to amplify their voices, manage differences peacefully and work together to address shared challenges, she added.
“This is why I am proud to reaffirm our commitment to working with the Lao PDR and all partners to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous region – one that enables all countries, regardless of size and might, to thrive.”
The seminar also featured a presentation by the Director General of the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Mr Vathouniyom Duangmala, who highlighted the longstanding strategic partnership between Laos and Australia and their cooperation in regional and international forums.
Participants exchanged views on multilateral cooperation at a time of intensifying geopolitical competition, economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, climate change and other transnational challenges.
Australia’s speakers, Emeritus Professor Carlyle Thayer of the University of New South Wales Canberra and Assistant Professor Sue Thompson of the Australian National University, outlined Australia’s engagement in multilateral mechanisms, including the United Nations, the Indo-Pacific framework, AUKUS, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
They also highlighted Australia’s longstanding support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, noting that ASEAN has become an increasingly important partner for Australia since 1974 and that cooperation has expanded under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while supporting ASEAN Centrality.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update June 19, 2026)
