VIENTIANE – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived here today for a two-day official visit to Laos to further strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation with the Asean member state.
The prime minister’s maiden visit to the country that will take the helm of Asean chairmanship next year was at the invitation of his Laos counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone.
The special aircraft carrying Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, landed at Wattay International Airport at 5.50pm local time (6.50pm in Malaysia).
He was greeted by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Laos Prime Minister’s Office Head Alounxay Sounnalath, and Laos Deputy Foreign Minister Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune.
Anwar is scheduled to hold an engagement session with leaders of Muslim organisations in the country to discuss issues involving the community at a hotel here later tonight.
Tomorrow, a bilateral meeting with Siphandone is scheduled at the Prime Minister’s Office preceded by the official welcoming ceremony where the national anthem of the two countries will be played followed by the inspection of a guard of honour by Anwar, accompanied by Siphandone.
Anwar and Siphandone will then witness the signing of memoranda of cooperation between Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd and Lao National Railway State Enterprise as well as Mutiara Perlis Sdn Bhd and Thanaleng Dry Port.
Both leaders will also witness the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Electricite du Lao.
They will proceed with a joint press conference before continuing with an official luncheon hosted by Siphandone, followed by Anwar’s courtesy call on Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Presidential Palace.
In the afternoon, the prime minister will hold a high-tea event with the Malaysian diaspora at the Malaysian embassy here where he will also be officiating the embassy building.
Some 230 Malaysians in Laos, mostly professionals and business people, are expected to attend the event.
Anwar will then hold a press conference with the Malaysian media before paying a courtesy call on Laos National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane at the National Assembly building to close his official visit.
The total trade between Malaysia and Laos surged by 425% from US$48.7 million (RM202.5 million) in 2021 to US$255.6 million in 2022, mainly contributed by the increase in demand for Malaysia’s electronic products.
Malaysia was Laos’ fourth biggest foreign direct investment contributor last year after China, Thailand, and Vietnam, mainly in the energy, free trade zone, automotive, and banking sectors.
Malaysia and Laos have established diplomatic relations since July 1, 1966. – Bernama, June 26, 2023
