Lao President Visits Kazakhstan to Bolster Bilateral Cooperation

President of the Lao PDR Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan, on September 2, 2026, for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral friendship and expanding practical cooperation between Laos and Kazakhstan for the mutual benefit of the two peoples. The Lao President was accompanied by a high-level delegation and will pay an official visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan from September 3–4 at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Upon arrival, Mr. Thongloun was warmly welcomed by Mr. Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development and Artificial Intelligence of Kazakhstan, together with senior officials and representatives from both sides. The visit provides an opportunity for the two countries to build on their existing friendship and identify new areas of cooperation that can contribute to economic growth, create opportunities for businesses and people, and strengthen exchanges between the two countries. Discussions during the visit are expected to focus on expanding practical cooperation and strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest, helping to create greater opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges. The visit also reflects the Lao PDR’s efforts to broaden international cooperation and develop partnerships that can contribute to sustainable national development and improve the livelihoods of its people. The official visit is expected to further deepen Laos-Kazakhstan relations and lay a stronger foundation for long-term cooperation in the years ahead. President of the Lao PDR Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith and President of the Republic of Belarus Mr. Alexander Lukashenko have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, with a focus on turning existing agreements into practical projects that can contribute to economic opportunities and improved well-being for people in both countries. On September 1, 2026, Brigadier General Sivilay Phengsantisouk, Standing Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Luang Prabang Political Military Command, led a delegation to present a flower basket and extend congratulations to the Consulate General of Vietnam in Northern Laos and the Office of the Dien Bien Trade Center in Northern Laos on Vietnam’s 81st National Day. On September 2, 2026, in Vientiane Capital, Mr. Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, President of the Lao Red Cross, received Ms. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Lao PDR, for a courtesy call to discuss bilateral cooperation. President Thongloun Sisoulith led a Lao delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, from August 31 to September 1, marking Laos’ first participation as an official SCO Dialogue Partner. On the occasion of the 81st National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2 September 1945–2 September 2026), allow me, on behalf of the leaders of the Party, State and the people of Vietnam, to extend to the leaders of the Party, State and the people of Laos our warmest sentiments of comradeship and brotherhood, together with my highest regards.