Marcos, Lao PM commit to expanding trade, education, defense, digital innovation

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. met with Lao People's Democratic Republic Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Monday during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.

The two leaders committed to expanding cooperation in trade, education, defense, and digital innovation, identifying strategic sectors such as agriculture, skills development, tourism, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital technology.

Marcos highlighted the potential for expanded trade ties, noting that bilateral trade has nearly doubled over five years from USD7 million in 2019 to around USD13.72 million in 2024.

Siphandone praised the contributions of Filipino workers in Laos, particularly in education, research, and architecture, and invited Marcos for an official state visit to Laos.

The meeting also covered discussions on combating transnational crimes with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.