SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Today, I was honoured to meet with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Saleumxay Kommasith.

Australia and Laos share a long history of bilateral cooperation, and this year celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations.

Our relationship is supported by a long-standing focus on education, human capacity building and infrastructure, as well as more recent cooperation in areas such as energy, economic resilience and connectivity.

Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay and I had warm and productive discussions about how we can deepen the partnership between our two countries.

I reiterated Australia’s support as Laos prepares for its ASEAN Chair Year in 2024. I also discussed our shared commitment to ASEAN centrality, and our strategic interest in maintaining a region which is peaceful, stable, prosperous, and where sovereignty is respected.

Australia remains determined to work closely with our partners in Southeast Asia to respond to regional challenges including climate change and economic recovery from COVID-19.

Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay and I planted a tree together in the Australian Botanic Gardens as an enduring symbol of the growth in our countries’ friendship.

Media Contact:
Foreign Minister Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.