Anis Matta Discusses Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation with Laos

RRI.CO.ID, Vientiane – Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Anis Matta, conducted a working visit to Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, on April 20, 2026, where he met with Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anouparb Vongnorkeo. In a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, both sides discussed strengthening Indonesia–Laos bilateral relations, including the planned visit of the Lao Foreign Minister to Jakarta in the near future.

They also discussed the importance of reactivating the long-delayed Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), as well as utilizing the momentum of the 70th anniversary of Indonesia–Laos diplomatic relations in 2027 to encourage more concrete cooperation.

Both sides highlighted opportunities to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including economics, investment, tourism, and culture, as well as the importance of strengthening coordination in facing regional dynamics.

In addition to the meeting with the Lao Deputy Foreign Minister, the Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister also held several other meetings, including with Lao Minister of Public Security Lt. Gen. Vanthong Kongmany, Vice President of the Lao Front for National Development (LFND) Lao Pao Song Navongxay, and President of the Islamic Organization of Laos Somboune Khan.

These meetings discussed strengthening cooperation in the fields of politics and security, people-to-people relations, and interfaith dialogue. The series of meetings took place in a warm and productive atmosphere, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to further strengthen cooperation at both government and community levels in support of regional stability and prosperity.

Previously, Indonesia also carried out defense cooperation with Laos in 2019, when President Prabowo Subianto was serving as Indonesia’s Minister of Defense.

The cooperation included, first, exchanges of visits between defense and military officials. Second, cooperation in the exchange of defense-related information as well as the exchange of views on challenges related to national, regional, and international security. Third, cooperation in human resource capacity building, as well as other areas of mutual benefit for both countries.

Bilateral defense cooperation between Indonesia and Laos has been running well since 1970. This has been marked, among others, by exchanges of visits between defense officials of both countries and the participation of Lao Armed Forces officers in education and training programs in Indonesia.