Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith, who arrived in Moscow on an official visit. This is reported by the official
website of the Russian President.

The Russian leader stressed that trade turnover between the countries by the end of 2024 increased by 60 per cent, and from January to May this year – by almost 20 per cent. In addition, Putin noted Laos’ interest in the BRICS framework.

In turn, Sisoulith presented Russia with two elephants.

“On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, the Lao government and the Lao people want to present you, the Russian Federation, with a pair of elephants,” he said at the meeting.

Following the talks, the heads of state adopted a number of bilateral documents, including a roadmap on cooperation in the use of peaceful atom, a memorandum on the protection of natural resources and work in education. They also made statements to the media.

Putin noted that Russian is already taught in a number of educational institutions in Laos, with plans to open a Russian-Lao school in Vientiane in the future.

“In total, more than 8,000 Laotians have been educated in our country, and 159 Laotian boys and girls are currently studying in our country,” he added.

In addition, the Russian President said that Russian companies are studying the possibility of developing bauxite deposits in Laos. There are also plans to expand sea transportations.

“Due to the growth of counter cargo flows, the issues of expansion of sea container transportations from Laos to Vladivostok through the ports of Vietnam are being worked out. There are plans to organise railway cargoes through the territory of […] China,” Putin said.

According to the Lao President, the visit to Moscow is an important milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation. He emphasised that relations with Russia will deepen on the basis of trust and mutual understanding.

“We hope to meet Mr Putin in Laos in the future,” Sisoulith said.

Photo:
kremlin.ru