Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Laotian Foreign Minister, Saleumxay Kommasith have signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the field of information and communication technology security.

This came as they met on the sidelines of ASEAN ministerial events in Vientiane.

“Following the meeting, an Agreement on cooperation in the field of information and communication technology security between the government of the Russian Federation and the government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and a Consultation Plan between the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos for 2024-2026 were signed,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that a memorandum on cooperation and mutual support in the media sphere was also signed in the presence of the ministers between ANO TV-News and Lao National Television.

According to the Russian ministry, the parties discussed the state and prospects of bilateral relations with an emphasis on implementing high-level agreements, strengthening trade, economic, and humanitarian ties, and enhancing joint coordination in international and regional affairs.

The effective performance of Vientiane in its role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was also noted, the Russian Foreign Ministry added.

Lavrov is scheduled to participate in meetings of foreign ministers in the Russia-ASEAN format, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Regional Forum on Security (ARF).

Speaking to a news channel, the Foreign Minister of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith asserted that his country will stand by Russia, which has regularly provided assistance to the republic and has forever become a friend to it

“Russia is a long-standing friend of Laos. It used to be a colony of foreigners, to fight for independence and sovereignty,” he stated.

“In the 50s and 60s [of the 20th century], we received regular help and timely support from Russia, which helped us defend our independence. So, we made sure that Russia has been and will always be a friend to Laos. We, in turn, will support Russia.”
Saleumxay Kommasith

Diplomatic relations between Laos and the USSR were established on October 7, 1960 (on December 31, 1991 Laos officially recognized Russia as the successor of the USSR).

After the proclamation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975, the Soviet Union assisted it in developing its national economy and strengthening its defense capabilities.

The USSR provided logistical and military aid, participated in the restoration of basic infrastructure, construction of hospitals, bridges, hydroelectric power plants, establishment of health care and agriculture, and trained qualified personnel.

Lavrov Meets Indonesian And Chinese Counterparts

Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov and his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi met on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting.

Lavrov and Marsudi discussed the issues of shaping the security architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region (APAC) and interaction in the UN at their meeting in Vientiane, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“The parties paid much attention to the bilateral cooperation, the issues of formation of the security architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region and Russian-Indonesian cooperation in the UN,” the ministry noted.

In addition, the parties signed a plan of consultations between the Foreign Ministries for 2024-2026.

Separately, Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

Speaking at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Vientiane, Laos’ capital, Lavrov said that Moscow and Beijing are promoting the principles of “genuine multilateralism,” bringing “positive energy” to the UN and the Group of 20 (G20).

He noted that the two countries are also actively working in the BRICS economic bloc and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

“Other international venues are also important. Among them, of course, is ASEAN and the entire ASEAN-centric architecture. We have a common position… we must do everything possible to prevent its destruction,” he said.