Laos, Australia Reaffirm Comprehensive Partnership, Deepen Bilateral Ties

Laos and Australia reaffirmed their Comprehensive Partnership, agreeing to further deepen the enduring friendship and close cooperation that have continued to grow between the two nations for over seven decades. The Lao side expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for their longstanding support across a broad range of sectors, noting that Australian assistance has made a significant contribution to Laos' socio-economic development. During the meeting, the ministers exchanged views on the investigation into the deaths of two Australian tourists in November 2024. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued communication and cooperation on this matter. Laos and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1952 and have maintained regular high-level exchanges and close cooperation in bilateral, regional, and international forums, including under the ASEAN–Australia partnership and other multilateral mechanisms. In 2024, the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, marking a new milestone. Both sides also looked ahead to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, reaffirming their shared commitment to further expanding cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.