Singapore, July 9 (AseanAll)  — Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) made an Official Visit to Singapore on 9 July 2024,according to Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sonexay received a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House of Singapore on the morning of July 9. 

During his call on Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, they reaffirmed the warm and longstanding relations between Singapore and Laos, as both countries commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. They noted economic complementarities between Singapore and Laos, and room to cooperate in areas such as renewable energy and education. They also exchanged views on ways to continue nurturing people-to-people ties, which are the foundation of bilateral cooperation.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith (left) and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (second from left) speaking with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, 9 July 2024. Photo Credit: Ministry of Digital Development and Information of Singapore

Sonexay met Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, who also hosted an Official Lunch in his honour.

Both Prime Ministers affirmed the strong bilateral relations, underpinned by regular high-level visits and growing people-to-people ties. Lawrence Wong noted the growing opportunities in Laos arising from developments in connectivity, renewable energy and technology, which would further strengthen Laos’ role in the international economy. In this regard, Wong and Sonexay discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas such as carbon credits, renewable energy, and capacity building. 

Lawrence Wong also reaffirmed Singapore’s support for Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship and its Chairmanship theme “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”. 

Both Prime Ministers agreed on the importance of upholding ASEAN Centrality and unity, and exchanged views to step up regional cooperation, including through the establishment of the ASEAN Power Grid and advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework. 

Both Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between Singapore and Laos in the areas of carbon credits and education cooperation.

Sonexay also met Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. They noted the progress made in bilateral relations since their meeting on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in 2023, and the good momentum of bilateral exchanges. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

A new orchid hybrid, Genus Sonexay Siphandone, was named in Prime Minister Sonexay’s honour.