His Excellency Bounnhang Vorachith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is on a State Visit to Singapore at the invitation of President Halimah Yacob. On 9 May, President Bounnhang received a ceremonial welcome at the Istana, called on President Halimah and met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. President Halimah also hosted a State Banquet in honour of President Bounnhang. Two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in Cooperation on Education; and Technical Cooperation in the Protection of Environmental and Water Matters were respectively signed by Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung and Lao Minister of Education and Sports Sengdeuane Lachanthaboune; and Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Amy Khor and Lao Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit. The MOU signing was witnessed by President Bounnhang and Prime Minister Lee.
During President Bounnhang’s call on President Halimah, both leaders reaffirmed the warm state of bilateral relations, underpinned by high-level visits. They looked forward to celebrating the 45thanniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations next year. Both leaders highlighted the strengthening of people-to-people ties with regular youth exchanges between our countries. President Halimah also expressed Singapore’s continued support for Laos’ development and capacity building.
Prime Minister Lee and President Bounnhang discussed enhancing bilateral economic cooperation. Singapore investments in Laos are primarily in the real estate, urban planning and hospitality sectors, and there is growing investment interest amongst Singapore companies, including in new areas such as energy cooperation. Prime Minister Lee and President Bounnhang also welcomed the signing of the two MOUs, which will augment bilateral educational exchanges, and promote cooperation on trans-boundary threats including climate change, and air and water pollution control. They also exchanged views on recent regional developments. Prime Minister Lee thanked President Bounnhang for Laos’ support of Singapore’s chairmanship of ASEAN, and welcomed the inclusion of Vientiane and Luang Prabang in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.
On 10 May 2018, President Bounnhang and his delegation will visit the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) where they will be briefed on Singapore’s land-use planning and given an overview of Singapore’s tourism promotion efforts. Enterprise Singapore (ESG), the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) will jointly organise a seminar on “Investment Opportunities in Laos” for the accompanying Lao business delegation and Singapore companies. The seminar will be attended by the Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Souphanh Keomixay and the Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena.
President Bounnhang and his delegation will depart for Laos on 10 May 2018.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
9 MAY 2018