Vientiane, February 13 (AseanAll)  —  On February 13, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, received a courtesy call from Pablo Kang, Special Representative of the Australian Foreign Minister, and his delegation during their working visit to Laos.

Photo source:the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos

Thongsavanh welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the visit. Pablo Kang thanked the Lao side for its hospitality and said the purpose of the mission is to follow up on legal proceedings related to the deaths of two Australian tourists in 2024.

Both sides spoke highly of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Laos and Australia, which spans more than seven decades and was elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership in early 2024.

During the meeting, the Lao side conveyed condolences to the Australian government, people and the families of the victims, reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the case, and confirmed that the matter is proceeding through the Lao legal and judicial process. Relevant authorities at central and local levels, it said, stand ready to cooperate and facilitate the Special Representative’s mission.

The Australian side expressed appreciation for the reception and voiced hope that the case will be resolved promptly in accordance with Lao law.

Prior to the meeting, on February 12, Thongsavanh held a telephone conversation with Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, during which he briefed her on progress in the ongoing investigation. Both ministers agreed to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.