Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung and Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith have agreed to elevate the bilateral ties between South Korea and Laos to a comprehensive partnership. This decision was made during summit talks held on Monday, with Lee emphasizing the importance of Laos in critical mineral supply chains, as revealed by the presidential office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the summit marked the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. President Lee highlighted South Korea's significant role in Laos' development cooperation and investment, and he described Laos as a key partner for South Korea's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Mekong River nations. Lee expressed his desire for mutually beneficial cooperation that would yield tangible results for both countries.
President Lee's remarks also touched on potential collaboration in new areas, including critical mineral supply chains and infrastructure projects, as Laos aims to transform into a regional transportation and logistics hub. He assured Laos of South Korea's support throughout this development process.
In response, President Thongloun acknowledged Laos' status as one of the world's least developed countries and expressed hope for continued support from South Korea to strengthen its economy. The summit discussions also included joint efforts to combat transnational crimes, such as online scams, with plans to sign mutual legal assistance and extradition treaties.
South Korea is actively addressing an increase in criminal cases involving Korean nationals in the region, including online fraud, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking. Thongloun's visit to Seoul, at President Lee's invitation, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of restored diplomatic ties. The diplomatic relationship, initially established in 1974, was severed in 1975 and later restored in 1995.
During the visit, first lady Kim Hea Kyung and Laotian first lady Naly Sisoulith engaged in cultural exchange discussions at Jogye Temple in Seoul. Thongloun's visit to South Korea follows his recent visit to Pyongyang, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to discuss strengthening bilateral relations on the occasion of the North's ruling party's 80th founding anniversary.