Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across trade, technology, energy, and tourism ahead of the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan.
The two leaders met during Sonexay’s visit to Russia, where he is participating in the Russia-ASEAN Summit, to discuss trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.
Mishustin described Laos as Russia’s leading partner in Southeast Asia, saying bilateral relations are built on “friendship, mutual respect, and consideration of each other’s interests.”
He noted that Russia and Laos marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year and said both governments are working to implement agreements reached by their leaders.
According to Mishustin, the two countries continue to expand bilateral trade while diversifying its structure. He said both sides are also committed to creating favorable conditions for joint projects in industry, energy, transport infrastructure, and agriculture.
Russia is prepared to share expertise in the digital economy, autonomous electronic systems, and artificial intelligence, he added.
Mishustin also encouraged Lao exporters to make greater use of Russian electronic trading platforms through the Russia-Laos Intergovernmental Commission, saying the platforms would provide access not only to the Russian market but also to the wider Eurasian Economic Union.
The Russian prime minister said tourism between the two countries has also grown significantly, with mutual travel increasing by 1.5 times last year as visitors from both countries seek to explore each other’s history, culture, and spiritual traditions.
Sonexay said his visit would help strengthen bilateral ties, friendship, and cooperation across all sectors.
He also noted that relations had deepened following recent talks between the leaders of Laos and Russia during celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Sonexay said the upcoming Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan, scheduled for 17–19 June, would provide another opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Russia and ASEAN member states.
