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| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane (left), meets the Vice President of Indonesia, Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka. |
Laos, Indonesia agree to boost trade and ties
Laos and Indonesia agreed to strengthen trade and cooperation during a high-level meeting of senior officials in Jakarta this week.
Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane, met for talks with the Vice President of Indonesia, Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka, at the President’s Office on Tuesday, during his official visit to Indonesia from May 4-5.
During the talks, the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in several areas to advance bilateral relations, with a particular focus on trade, investment, and future collaboration.
They highlighted sectors with strong potential, including agriculture, energy, food security, and mining.
Mr Thongsavanh also conveyed warm greetings from President Thongloun Sisoulith to Indonesia’s leaders and said he was pleased to visit Indonesia for the first time since taking office.
He briefed the Vice President on talks with Indonesian partners aimed at boosting trade and investment. He also shared the outcomes of his meeting with Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sugiono.
The two sides expressed appreciation for their close ties over the past 69 years. They noted steady progress in economic and tourism cooperation, along with regular high-level exchanges.
They agreed to hold the sixth Laos-Indonesia Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in Laos. The meeting will take place during an official visit by Indonesia’s foreign minister in early 2027.
Both countries will also prepare activities to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
Mr Thongsavanh thanked Indonesia for its continued support to Laos, especially during Laos’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2024.
Mr Gibran welcomed the visit and said Indonesia sees Laos as a strategic partner, adding that stronger cooperation would support peace and stability in the region.
He noted that both sides aim to further strengthen their friendship and expand cooperation in the years ahead.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update May 7, 2026)
