Statements following Russian-Laotian talks

Vladimir Putin and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith made statements following Russian-Lao talks.

Vladimir Putin and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith issued statements following Russian-Lao talks. Before the speeches, a ceremony to exchange documents signed during the Lao President’s official visit to Russia took place in the presence of the leaders. Opening Remarks by Vladimir Putin: Vladimir Putin: Esteemed Mr. President! Dear friends! The current official visit of the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Russia demonstrates the successful development of Russian-Lao relations. Both sides are interested in making this cooperation more substantive and productive. Russia and Laos are united by traditions of friendship and mutual assistance. This October marks the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Our country contributed to the development of Lao statehood, the enhancement of its defense capability, and the growth of the national economy. With the participation of Soviet specialists, large industrial enterprises and important transport infrastructure facilities were built in Laos, many of which are still operational today, benefiting the Lao people. Russian-Laotian cooperation is multifaceted and mutually beneficial. Mr. President and I held useful and constructive talks. Russian-Laotian trade is rapidly expanding. Last year, trade turnover increased by 65 percent, and this year, the growth rate has been approximately 20 percent. Due to the growth of reciprocal cargo flows, we are exploring ways to expand sea container shipping from Laos to Vladivostok via Vietnamese ports. Plans include organizing rail freight shipments through China. There are good prospects for expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Agreements concluded in the peaceful use of nuclear energy create the foundation for providing the Laotian economy with affordable and environmentally friendly energy. Our Laotian friends are also showing interest in non-energy applications of nuclear technology: in medicine, agriculture, and personnel training. Russian companies are participating in the development of ferrous and precious metal deposits in Laos. Possible cooperation in the development of bauxite deposits is being explored. Bilateral cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres is of great importance. Laos regularly hosts Russian film festivals and performances by our creative groups. Moscow Days were also held in Laos, and Vientiane Days were held in Russia. We are pleased with the Lao people’s interest in learning Russian. Russian is taught at a number of educational institutions in the country, including the Lao National University, where Russian teachers work. The construction of a Russian-Lao school with a full-cycle joint curriculum is on the agenda. I would also like to note that the President of Laos graduated from the Herzen Pedagogical Institute in Leningrad and holds an honorary doctorate from that institution.This allowed us to conduct some of the talks in Russian. More than eight thousand Laotians have received an education in our country, and 159 Laotian young men and women are currently studying. We actively cooperate internationally. In May, the Laotian delegation took part in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. We recall the parade of the Lao People’s Army on Red Square. We will continue to uphold the principles of the rule of international law, sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. President for our productive joint work and for accepting the invitation to come to Moscow. These talks will undoubtedly strengthen Russian-Laotian ties for the benefit of the peoples of our countries. A Word from T. Sisoulith T. Sisoulith: Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation! Esteemed representatives of the media! Esteemed ladies and gentlemen! It is a great honor for me to lead the Lao PDR delegation and visit the Russian Federation at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation. This visit is an important milestone in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation, including our strategic security partnership in the Asia-Pacific region. Our cooperation is based on trust and mutual benefit and symbolizes the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation. The meeting with President Putin took place in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. We agreed to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in many areas. The parties highly valued and agreed to develop cooperation in the political and security spheres, as well as to maintain regular delegation exchanges and joint exercises. The Lao PDR expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in clearing unexploded mines, which continue to threaten the lives of the Lao people. In addition, we continue to work together to strengthen cooperation in the economy, trade and investment, transport, culture, and tourism. We have signed dozens of cooperation documents in various fields. On behalf of the people of Laos, I thank the Russian government for providing 100 scholarships to Lao students annually and for strengthening Russian language education in Lao schools. We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome extended to our delegation. We hope to continue our cooperation, which will bring mutual understanding and benefit to both sides. We hope to meet with Mr. Putin again in Laos in the future. Vladimir Putin: Thank you.non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. President for our productive joint work and for accepting the invitation to come to Moscow. The talks held will undoubtedly strengthen Russian-Lao ties for the benefit of the peoples of our countries. A Word from T. Sisoulith T. Sisoulith: Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation! Esteemed representatives of the media! Esteemed ladies and gentlemen! It is a great honor for me to lead the Lao PDR delegation and visit the Russian Federation at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation. This visit is an important milestone in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation, including the strategic partnership in security in the Asia-Pacific region. Our cooperation is based on trust and mutual benefit and symbolizes the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation. The meeting with President Putin took place in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. We agreed to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in many areas. The parties highly valued and agreed to develop cooperation in the political and security spheres, as well as to maintain regular delegation exchanges and joint exercises. The Lao PDR expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in clearing unexploded mines, which continue to threaten the lives of the Lao people. Furthermore, we continue to work together to strengthen cooperation in the economy, trade and investment, transport, culture, and tourism. We have signed dozens of cooperation documents in various fields. On behalf of the people of Laos, I thank the Russian government for providing 100 scholarships to Lao students annually and for strengthening Russian language education in Lao schools. We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome extended to our delegation. We hope to continue cooperation that will bring mutual understanding and benefit to both sides. We hope to meet with Mr. Putin again in Laos in the future. Vladimir Putin: Thank you.non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. President for our productive joint work and for accepting the invitation to come to Moscow. The talks held will undoubtedly strengthen Russian-Lao ties for the benefit of the peoples of our countries. A Word from T. Sisoulith T. Sisoulith: Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation! Esteemed representatives of the media! Esteemed ladies and gentlemen! It is a great honor for me to lead the Lao PDR delegation and visit the Russian Federation at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation. This visit is an important milestone in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation, including the strategic partnership in security in the Asia-Pacific region. Our cooperation is based on trust and mutual benefit and symbolizes the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation. The meeting with President Putin took place in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. We agreed to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation in many areas. The parties highly valued and agreed to develop cooperation in the political and security spheres, as well as to maintain regular delegation exchanges and joint exercises. The Lao PDR expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in clearing unexploded mines, which continue to threaten the lives of the Lao people. Furthermore, we continue to work together to strengthen cooperation in the economy, trade and investment, transport, culture, and tourism. We have signed dozens of cooperation documents in various fields. On behalf of the people of Laos, I thank the Russian government for providing 100 scholarships to Lao students annually and for strengthening Russian language education in Lao schools. We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome extended to our delegation. We hope to continue cooperation that will bring mutual understanding and benefit to both sides. We hope to meet with Mr. Putin again in Laos in the future. Vladimir Putin: Thank you.The parties highly valued and agreed to develop cooperation in the political and security spheres, as well as to maintain regular delegation exchanges and joint exercises. The Lao PDR expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in clearing unexploded mines, which continue to threaten the lives of the Lao people. Furthermore, we continue to work together to strengthen cooperation in the economy, trade and investment, transport, culture, and tourism. We have signed dozens of cooperation documents in various fields. On behalf of the people of Laos, I thank the Russian government for providing 100 scholarships to Lao students annually and for strengthening Russian language education in Lao schools. We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome extended to our delegation. We hope to continue cooperation that will bring mutual understanding and benefit to both sides. We hope to meet with Mr. Putin again in Laos in the future. Vladimir Putin: Thank you.The parties highly valued and agreed to develop cooperation in the political and security spheres, as well as to maintain regular delegation exchanges and joint exercises. The Lao PDR expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in clearing unexploded mines, which continue to threaten the lives of the Lao people. Furthermore, we continue to work together to strengthen cooperation in the economy, trade and investment, transport, culture, and tourism. We have signed dozens of cooperation documents in various fields. On behalf of the people of Laos, I thank the Russian government for providing 100 scholarships to Lao students annually and for strengthening Russian language education in Lao schools. We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome extended to our delegation. We hope to continue cooperation that will bring mutual understanding and benefit to both sides. We hope to meet with Mr. Putin again in Laos in the future. Vladimir Putin: Thank you.