Laos is a part of India’s extended neighbourhood as only Myanmar separates Laos from India’s North East…reports Asian Lite News
The third India-Laos Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held in the capital Vientiane on Thursday.
The FOC was co-chaired by Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs and Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “3rd India-Laos FOC held today in Vientiane, co-chaired by Secy (East) @AmbSaurabhKumar and Dy FM Mr Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Laos.”
The two discussed the review of comprehensive partnerships in different sectors.
“Discussions encompassed comprehensive review of partnership across sectors, including development cooperation, trade, defence, agriculture, health, heritage conservation, capacity building and current regional and global issues of interest,” Bagchi added in his tweet.
India expressed appreciation for Lao PDR in its role as Country Coordinator for the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, and reiterated its support for Lao PDR as Chair of ASEAN in 2024. During the meeting, the two signed new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) regarding five Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the fields of education, health, water facility, and IT.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the 2nd Foreign Office Consultation was held in New Delhi on 10 August 2015.
While in Lao, the Secretary (East) also paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith.
India and Lao share “longstanding, friendly and mutually supportive relations”, according to the MEA. The two sides’ views converge on many issues of mutual interest in international forums. Moreover, Laos support India’s claim for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Laos is a part of India’s extended neighbourhood as only Myanmar separates Laos from India’s North East. According to the MEA, “As the Indian presence grows and the success stories become more, India-Lao relations in different spheres are likely to grow.” (ANI)