Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is leading a high-ranking delegation on a state visit to Laos from 3 to 4 October to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith welcomed the Brunei delegation at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital on the evening of 2 October.
Today, President Thongloun Sisoulith and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah kicked off the first of two days of diplomatic meetings at the Presidential Palace.
As both parties expressed gratitude for the ongoing mutual support, the Lao president stressed his appreciation for Brunei’s assistance throughout the past three decades, especially in the fields of education and human resource development.
Minutes later, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah conveyed deep gratitude for the Lao government’s decision to award him the national gold medal in recognition of his contributions to the two countries’ enduring and steady assistance to Laos, as he reaffirmed his country’s support for Laos’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.
The two leaders further agreed to continue promoting economic cooperation, such as trade and investment, especially in sectors such as transportation, green agriculture, production of goods for export, energy, and eco-tourism.
To conclude the official gathering, President Thongloun and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah signed a joint statement on the Lao-Brunei strategic partnership.
This is Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s third visit to Laos since the two countries established diplomatic relations on 27 July 1993.
