Indonesia and Laos Work to Reactivate Long-Delayed Bilateral Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Laos are working to reinvigorate their bilateral ties, with both sides emphasizing the need to reactivate long-delayed cooperation mechanisms and prepare for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The initiatives were revealed as Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad Anis Matta meet with Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo during his official visit to Vientiane, Laos, on Monday, April 20, 2026, to discuss strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors.

The talks also included plans for Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane to visit Jakarta in the near future, according to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The two officials highlighted the importance of reviving the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) as a platform to advance concrete initiatives. They also explored opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, and culture, while stressing the need for closer coordination in navigating regional dynamics.

Beyond the foreign ministry dialogue, Anis Matta held meetings with Lao Minister of Public Security Lt. Gen. Vanthong Kongmany, Lao Front for National Development Vice President Lao Pao Song Navongxay, and President of the Lao Islamic Organization Somboune Khan.

The discussions touched on political and security cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and interfaith dialogue.

“The series of meetings were warm and productive, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthen cooperation at government and societal levels in support of regional stability and prosperity,” the Indonesian Foreign Ministry noted, as quoted by Antara.

Anis Matta was accompanied by Charge d’Affaires ad interim at the Indonesian Embassy in Vientiane, Achmad Dahlan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Director for Southeast Asia, Elizani TX Nadia Sumampouw. ***