Vientiane: The Laos National Assembly and the European Parliament recently held their 7th bilateral meeting, co-chaired by Mr. Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lao National Assembly, and Wouter Beke, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN. The meeting occurred during Beke’s working visit to Laos from May 24-28.
According to Lao News Agency, the discussions reviewed the five-decade-long relationship between Laos and the European Union, which began on November 21, 1975. The meeting highlighted continued cooperation through regular exchanges of delegations and collaboration across various sectors. Delegates exchanged views on socio-economic development, human rights, trade, investment, and other mutual interests.
The primary aim of the discussions was to strengthen relations between Laos and the European Union and enhance cooperation between the Lao National Assembly and the European Parliament. As a p
art of this visit, the European Parliament delegation met with National Assembly President Saysomphone Phomvihane. He praised the outcomes of the discussions, emphasizing the significance of sharing legislative experiences to improve parliamentary work quality. Saysomphone also briefed the delegation on recent developments in Laos and the activities of the National Assembly.
During the meetings, Wouter Beke expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by Lao officials and conveyed support for continuing regular exchanges and bilateral meetings to deepen ties between the two legislative bodies. The European Parliament delegation also engaged with Laos’ deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, deputy minister of technology and communications, and deputy minister of industry and commerce.
Furthermore, the delegation visited the Mekong River Commission Secretariat, cultural sites in Vientiane, and several European Union-supported projects in Luang Prabang Province, including Luang Prabang
Technical Vocational College.