Indonesia, Laos Strengthen Ties Ahead of 70-Year Milestone

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Laos are stepping up bilateral cooperation ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, as Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono receiving Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane in Jakarta on Monday, May 4, 2026.

The meeting, marked the first visit of the deputy minister to a Southeast Asian country since Laos formed its new government in March, was focused on strengthening partnerships in politics, economics, and people-to-people engagement.

“This momentum must be utilized to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, and people-to-people contact,” Minister Sugiono said on Monday, May 4, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Both sides agreed to reactivate the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) as a key platform to drive more concrete collaboration.

In political and security discussions, the ministers highlighted rising transnational crimes such as online fraud and human trafficking, emphasizing the need for effective implementation of existing cooperation frameworks.

On the economic front, Indonesia and Laos explored opportunities to boost trade, investment, connectivity, and tourism.

Indonesia also encouraged stronger cooperation in the potash sector as a strategic resource for fertilizer production, supporting food security at both national and regional levels, while backing Laos’ efforts toward sustainable and inclusive economic development.

The ministers also underscored the importance of strengthening ties between citizens through education, youth exchanges, and cultural collaboration, noting shared values and cultural heritage as key assets.

At the regional and global level, both countries reaffirmed the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. They stressed dialogue, mutual respect, and trust as essential to preserving peace and stability in the region.

The visit reflects Indonesia’s active engagement in strengthening partnerships with neighboring countries while reinforcing its role as a strategic partner for Laos in Southeast Asia. ***