Russia-Laos talks

Mikhail Mishustin held talks with Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Sonexay Siphandone.

Excerpts from the transcript:

Mikhail Mishustin: Mr Prime Minister,

Welcome to the Government House of the Russian Federation. Your visit coincides with the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan, which will be attended by President Vladimir Putin. I am confident that the upcoming discussions will provide fresh momentum to Russia-Laos cooperation and further strengthen interaction across the Asia-Pacific region.

Please, convey my warmest regards and best wishes to the President of Laos, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith. We greatly appreciated his participation in the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.

Laos is Russia's key partner in Southeast Asia. Our bilateral relations are founded on the principles of friendship, mutual respect, and consideration of each other's interests. Last year, we marked the 65^th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and our governments continue to work actively to implement the agreements reached at the highest level.

Trade and economic cooperation remains one of our top priorities. Our bilateral trade still does not fully reflect the considerable economic potential of our two countries. We firmly believe that, through joint efforts, we can significantly expand trade volumes and diversify their structure.

It is important to create favourable conditions for the implementation of joint projects in industry, energy, including the peaceful use of nuclear energy, transport infrastructure, and agriculture. We also see significant potential for expanding cooperation in high-tech sectors. Russia is ready to share its expertise and technological solutions with its Lao partners, including in the digital economy, autonomous electronic systems, and artificial intelligence.

We also encourage our Lao colleagues to make greater use of Russian electronic trading platforms, which ensure effective access to the Russian market as well as the common market of the Eurasian Economic Union, encompassing more than 180 million consumers.

The Russian-Lao Intergovernmental Commission is actively working to advance specific areas of cooperation and develop new joint initiatives. The commission is co-chaired on the Russian side by Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Faizullin.

We are also interested in deepening cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres, particularly in education. Mr Prime Minister, you yourself studied in Russia and speak Russian fluently. Over the years, our country has trained more than 8,000 Lao specialists.

We are pleased to see a substantial increase in tourism between our countries. Last year, the number of mutual visits grew by 50 percent. This reflects strong interest of our citizens in learning more about the history, culture, and traditions of both Russia and Laos.

Mr Prime Minister, I look forward to discussing the full range of issues on our bilateral agenda. The floor is yours.

Sonexay Siphandone (retranslated) : Your Excellency Mr Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation,

Distinguished members of the Russian and Lao delegations,

It is a great honour for me to lead the high-level delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on this official visit to the Russian Federation at your kind invitation, Mr Prime Minister.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your warm message of congratulations on my re-election as Prime Minister of Laos for a new term in office.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for the time and attention you have devoted to our delegation during this official visit to Russia. This is my first visit to your country since my re-election as Prime Minister, and I am confident that it will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual trust between our nations, while advancing cooperation across the full spectrum of our bilateral agenda.

As part of this visit, I will also participate in the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan.

We look forward to further deepening our cooperation following the recent discussions between our two heads of state, President Thongloun Sisoulith and President Vladimir Putin, which took place during the events marking the 81^st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to you, to the Government of the Russian Federation, and to the Russian Armed Forces on the successful organisation of the events marking the 81^st anniversary of Victory Day on May 9. This anniversary holds profound historical significance for all humanity and for all nations that value peace.

On the occasion of Russia Day, celebrated on June 12, I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency on behalf of the Government and people of Laos, and through you to the Government and friendly people of the Russian Federation. I wish you good health, prosperity, and every success in your work.

Your Excellency, thank you for your warm welcome and kind remarks.

You have conveyed a special message to our President, Mr Sisoulith. We deeply appreciate this gesture, for such support is especially meaningful as we continue our efforts to advance national development and build a prosperous future for our people.

At the conclusion of the talks , the following documents were signed:

Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Signed by: Alexei Likhachev, Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, and Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Trade of Laos.