Thailand
Laos, Brunei further strengthen bilateral relations
Bilateral relations and cooperation between Laos and Brunei Darussalam have received a boost with the visit of Vice President Phankham Viphavanh to Brunei last week.
Mr Phankham and his delegation, on behalf of President Bounnhang Vorachit, travelled to Brunei in response to an invitation from His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the main aim of the visit was to attend the 50th anniversary of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne, which was held in Bandar Seri Begawan on October 5.
Since Laos and Brunei Darussalam established diplomatic relations on July 27, 1993, friendly relations and close cooperation have continued to flourish in the areas of education, sports and trade. Brunei has an embassy in Vientiane, and Laos has an embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan.
In 1999, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, while an MoU on sports cooperation was also signed in 2013.
In recent years, the leaders of the two countries have continued to make exchange visits and Brunei has helped Laos to build schools, and an indoor stadium for the 2009 SEA Games which took place in Vientiane.
The government of Brunei also supported Laos’ hosting of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM-9) Summit in 2012 and the 28th and 29th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summits in Vientiane last year.
Brunei’s support has made important contributions to national, social and economic development and the well-being of the Lao people, thus enabling them to gradually attain the goal of poverty eradication.
The two countries are currently preparing activities to mark the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which will take place next year.
Source: http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/FreeContent/FreeConten_Laos238.html