The Philippines and Laos are exploring new ways of cooperation as their top diplomats expressed confidence in the ties of the two Asian nations.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Lao counterpart, Saleumxay Kommasith, recently sat down to review existing and new areas of partnership as the Philippine official flew to Vientiane for a forum jointly organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Institute.
"Aside from discussing existing areas of cooperation, such as security and defense, health, gender and women development, and trade and investment, the two Ministers expressed confidence that the close relations between the two countries will be further bolstered through new areas of collaboration, such as in renewable energy, technology and communication, tourism, education and sports, and disaster management," the DFA said Thursday.
What's more noteworthy during their discussion was the possibility of a direct flight between the Philippines and Laos to bolster trade, investment and tourism alliance of the two nations.
The Philippines also expressed support for Laos’ chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2024.
More partnerships were discussed as the Philippines and Laos celebrated their 68th year of diplomatic relations.