The Indian External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj completed a two-day visit to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on Friday. She was accompanied by a team of Indian delegates. During her visit, the Indian minister discussed initiatives for greater cooperation between the two nations with the Laotian Minister of External Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith.
Swaraj and Kommasith co-chaired the Ninth Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) on Bilateral Cooperation in Vientiane, on November 23. The two leaders engaged in a comprehensive deliberation about investment, transport, education, defence, agriculture and trade to strengthen ties between the two nations. Reportedly, the Indian minister has offered to make a contribution of $250 million for Lao’s various development projects. She has also offered to share Indian expertise to accelerate the development process.
The bilateral ties between India and Lao have existed for over six decades and the two nations are positive about the agreements of the 9th JCM. Next year’s JCM will be held in India.
