Lao, Malaysian Foreign Ministers Discuss Repatriation Of Citizens

Source: Vientiane Times

The Lao and Malaysian ministers of foreign affairs held talks last week to discuss ways to enable their respective citizens to return home after being stranded due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as further economic cooperation.

Speaking during the talks held by video link on September 17, Malaysian foreign minister Dato Seri Hishammudin Tun Hussein expressed his pleasure at the virtual meeting with Lao minister of foreign affairs Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, which aimed to deepen the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.

The two ministers discussed the possibility of providing charter flights to Laos and Malaysia to fly their citizens home, as well as possible channels to further facilitate business, tourism, and medical assistance to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.

They also discussed trade cooperation to ease the impact of Covid-19 on their economies through the joint export of manufactured goods to countries in the Middle East.

Mr Saleumxay and Dato Seri Hishammudin Tun Hussein said they highly valued the tradition of friendship and good cooperation between their two nations, which they said had steadily strengthened.

Next year will be the 55th anniversary (June 1, 1966-June 1, 2021) of Laos-Malaysia diplomatic relations when the two countries will organise joint activities to mark the important date, including reciprocal visits by leaders.

The ministers also discussed preparations for the upcoming fourth Joint Commission between their two governments, saying they highly valued the mechanisms in place for political, trade and investment cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges.