Laos, Austria Discuss Strengthening Ties, LDC Graduation, and Economic Cooperation

Laos and Austria have discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly expanding economic ties, with the aim of further deepening the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Thongsavanh, welcomed Austrian Ambassador Wieser, expressing appreciation for the friendly relations and cooperation that have existed between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations on September 1, 1967. Both sides agreed to jointly organize activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Lao-Austrian diplomatic relations in 2027, further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Discussions also covered ways to expand economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and tourism, with the goal of generating greater benefits for the peoples of both countries. Exchange of views on development cooperation, including infrastructure and clean energy, took place, and opportunities for mobilizing support through the European Union, ASEAN-Austria cooperation, and international organizations were explored, with expectations for contributions to Laos’s socio-economic development. Mr. Thongsavanh briefed the Austrian Ambassador on Laos’s preparations for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by the end of 2026. He expressed gratitude for Austria’s past support and requested continued assistance during the transition period, including support related to trade preferences and relevant policies, to ensure a smooth, sustainable, and high-quality graduation process. Furthermore, commitments to mutual support in regional and international forums were reaffirmed. Appreciation was also expressed for Austria’s participation and support in the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) Third Review Conference, for which Laos served as host, contributing to the conference's successful organization and outcome. Separately, Laos is scheduled to send a high-level delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh to attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and related meetings in New York from September 21 to 26, 2026. Source: KPL Laos News