Laos and Kazakhstan are exploring new railway and logistics links that could open a trade route between Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Europe.
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith is visiting Kazakhstan from 3 to 4 September for the first presidential-level talks between the two countries since they established diplomatic relations in 1997.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Thongloun’s arrival in Astana on 2 September aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation. This followed his recent participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus meeting.
Transport and logistics were a key focus of talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana.
Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a major transit hub between China and Europe through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. He said Lao freight operators could use Kazakhstan’s logistics platforms, including its hub in China, to reach Central Asian and European markets.
Kazakhstan also sees an opportunity to move its goods into Southeast Asia through Laos and the Laos-China Railway, which has strengthened Laos’ role as a regional transit link.
The two leaders called for their governments to work toward agreements on transport and logistics cooperation.
Trade Links
The leaders also discussed expanding trade and investment. Kazakhstan wants to increase exports to Laos, particularly metals, food products, oil, agricultural goods, chemicals, machinery and pharmaceuticals.
Tokayev invited Lao companies to use the Astana International Financial Centre to enter Kazakhstan’s market and expand into Central Asia.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, culture, education, humanitarian affairs and law enforcement.
During the visit, Laos and Kazakhstan signed four agreements covering political consultations, law enforcement, digital cooperation and sister-city ties between Astana and Vientiane.
Bilateral Talks
Thongloun’s Kazakhstan visit follows a series of meetings on the sidelines of the SCO Plus summit in Bishkek.
At the summit, he promoted stronger multilateral cooperation, a fairer international order and Laos’ role as an SCO Dialogue Partner.
He also held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in trade, transport and other areas.
On 1 September, Thongloun also met Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The two leaders agreed to deepen bilateral ties by implementing existing agreements and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, finance, education, culture, tourism, health and security.
