Malaysia, Laos Reaffirm Commitment To Expand Trade, Investment, Connectivity
KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (NNN) -- Malaysia and Laos reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening their regional partnership by expanding collaboration in trade, investment and connectivity as the two countries marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The commitment was underscored at a ceremony in Vientiane on Friday, where both countries officially launched celebrations marking the milestone.
Speaking at the ceremony, Malaysian Ambassador to Laos, Edi Irwan Mahmud, said the anniversary logo unveiled at the event symbolised six decades of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation since diplomatic relations were established on July 1, 1966.
“The bilateral ties had evolved into a broad and forward-looking partnership encompassing political, economic and people-to-people cooperation,” he said, according to the Lao News Agency (KPL).
Edi Irwan highlighted the growing momentum of high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to Laos in 2023 and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone's visit to Malaysia in 2025.
"The continued engagements under the two countries' successive ASEAN chairmanships reflect our shared commitment to regional cooperation and integration," he said.
The event was attended by Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maithong Thammavongsa, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations.
Meanwhile, Maithong said Laos and Malaysia had forged a strong partnership over the past six decades, built on friendship, trust, mutual respect and shared interests.
He said both countries had worked closely through bilateral, regional and international forums to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.
He said Malaysia is also the fourth-largest foreign investor in Laos, with cumulative investment of about US$946 million, while bilateral trade increased to more than US$65 million in 2025 from about US$43 million in 2024, reflecting growing economic ties.
A series of commemorative activities, including exchanges of congratulatory messages, high-level visits and bilateral meetings, will be held throughout 2026 to mark the anniversary and further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
--NNN
