Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has assured Laos of the Philippines' support in its efforts to build institutions that will address various challenges it is facing as a nation.
In an event organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Institute in Vientiane, Manalo said the Philippine government will support Laos' intent to build resilience among its people by forming institutions and seeking various forms of cooperation, such as health, education and climate.
In assuring Manila's backing, Manalo reiterated that the "driving force" of its ties with Vientiane has always been the welfare of their peoples.
Photo courtesy of DFA Sec. Enrique Manalo
"Health cooperation retains its special place in our ties… The lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic have shown pathways for the Philippines and Laos for joint efforts in enhancing healthcare delivery, preparedness, and response to future health crises," he said.
"Education is also prominent in our relationship… Both the Philippines and Laos recognize that investing in education is investing in the future," he added.
Current climate challenges, such as typhoons, floods, landslides and climate change, also call for collective action, according to Manalo.
"We have initiated talks on platforms to strengthen practical cooperation between the Philippines and Lao PDR (People's Democratic Republic) in disaster risk resilience and humanitarian assistance in disaster relief," he said.
"We are ready to share the strengths of the Philippine disaster risk resilience strategy, that is the whole-of-nation and community-based approaches that uplift the role of communities as actors on the ground," he added.
Manalo said Laos "can always count on the Philippines as a steadfast friend and partner."
Laos can also count on Manila as "a staunch supporter of ASEAN and ASEAN centrality, and a champion of equity, justice and development," he added.