From July 24-27, Laos took center stage in regional diplomacy during the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM). The event saw Lao and regional leaders engage in high-profile bilateral and trilateral discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation in various sectors.

On July 27, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith met with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken to commemorate 69 years of diplomatic relations, now elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership. The talks highlighted ongoing cooperation in health, education, trade, law enforcement, drug prevention, and unexploded ordnance clearance. Saleumxay also met with European Union High Representative Josep Borrell, marking 49 years of Laos-EU relations and discussing EU support for Laos’ socio-economic development.

Laos, China, and Russia held their first trilateral meeting on July 25, led by Saleumxay, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The discussions focused on enhancing regional communication and transportation links, particularly through the Lao-China railway. Bilateral meetings resulted in agreements on infrastructure projects and cooperation in information security and education.

Throughout the summit, Saleumxay also met with counterparts from Japan, Australia, the UK, Türkiye, South Korea, India, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, and Cambodia, signing numerous agreements to strengthen economic, trade, and cultural ties. The summit concluded with a call to enhance cooperation across various sectors and an invitation for foreign ministers to explore more of Laos.

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