Manila: The Philippines and Laos expressed a strong desire to enhance their cooperation in various sectors, including trade, defense, and economic relations, during their third high-level talks in Manila. This was announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane recommitted to this strategic partnership at the 3rd Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting earlier in the day. The DFA emphasized that discussions spanned a broad spectrum of collaborative areas, all aimed at fostering a ‘stronger, more resilient, and forward-looking Southeast Asian region.’

A focal point of the dialogue was the mutual intention to strengthen trade and economic ties while collaboratively addressing regional security challenges. As a long-standing development partner of Lao PDR, the Philippines reiterated its dedication to supporting Laos’ national development goals. The Philippines also expressed its readiness to continue engagements in human resource development, the promotion of gender equality, and the enhancement of trade and investment relations.

On the other hand, Laos committed to closer cooperation in tackling transnational crimes and addressing the significant rise in human trafficking in the region. The meeting’s agenda also covered cooperation in sectors such as energy, agriculture, information and communications technology, and education.

The high-level meeting concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative logo to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Laos, which began on January 14, 1955.