President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Sonexay Siphandone at the meeting room, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), Malaysia, on Monday (05/26). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
On the margin of the 46th ASEAN Summit agenda series, President Prabowo Subianto Monday (05/26) had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Sonexay Siphandone. The meeting was held at the Meeting Room, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), Malaysia.
The meeting was of particular importance for both leaders to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various strategic sectors. President Prabowo started the meeting by expressing appreciation for the opportunity to reunite with PM Siphandone.
“Your Excellency may still remember my last visit to Lao. That was before I became President, but as a President-elect. Thank you for the warm welcome at that time,” said the President.
On the occasion, the President showed his appreciation to the Lao PDR for its success in leading ASEAN in the previous period. The President also emphasized Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to maintaining cooperation in the ASEAN framework under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
“I’d like to congratulate the Lao PDR for your success in leading ASEAN and maintaining cooperation as part of ASEAN, and also for your support to Malaysia’s chairmanship,” said the President.
President Prabowo highlighted that bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Lao PDR are strong. However, the President admitted the need to strengthen and increase trade volume for both countries.
“Our relations have been very good for many years, but we have to admit that the trade volume between the two countries has declined. Therefore, we need to find ways to intensify and increase the trade,” said the President.
The President also stated that Indonesia is ready to collaborate in various potential sectors, including minerals, agriculture, and fertiliser. Meanwhile, as for regional security issues, the President highlighted the importance of joining hands to eliminate transnational crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and also online scamming and gambling.
“I think we should work together to create an intimate and constructive atmosphere. As ASEAN countries, Indonesia and the Lao PDR shared a common vision towards a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous region.
In the bilateral meeting, President Prabowo was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Trade Budi Santosa, Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry/Head of the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board Rosan Roeslani, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/MUR)
