Laos-France Relations: A Fruitful 2024 Sets the Stage for Stronger Ties in 2025


Phnom Penh: As part of a well-established tradition in France, the French Ambassador hosted a New Year’s Greetings reception at the French Residence in Vientiane to offer her best wishes of happiness, prosperity, peace and health to Laotian authorities, French residents in Laos, and cooperation partners. On this occasion, Vientiane’s French chefs prepared “Three Kings’ cakes”, a traditional dessert celebrating moments of sharing and friendship.



According to Lao News Agency, the year 2024 was rich in projects and events for the bilateral relationship. President Thongloun Sisoulith had fruitful exchanges in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, and several important projects were subsequently launched in the sector of sustainable energy, agriculture, and health. These included the Green CUP project, co-funded by France and the EU, to promote sustainable tea and coffee sectors, and a project to fight HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, from the French Global Fund mechanism “Initiative” in cooperation with the Ministry of Health.



Economic relations also took a major turn with the relaunch of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos. The aim is to increase French investment and trade exchanges to contribute to Laos’ lasting development.



Looking ahead to 2025, the embassy will aim to consolidate past achievements and to follow the roadmap set out by both nations’ leaders on issues of common interest. Special focus will thus be placed on strengthening joint cooperation in renewable energies, water management, sustainable agriculture, and Francophonie.



Human, cultural, educational, and scientific exchanges, particularly between young people, will also serve as an important guideline for the action of the French Embassy. In 2025, France will host three major international events: the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit on 6-11 February, the Nutrition for Growth Summit on 27-28 March, and the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference on 9-13 June.