Russia and Laos Foster Historic Ties at the Eastern Economic Forum
The Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok became a stage for reaffirming the long-standing friendship between Russia and Laos. In a bilateral moment, the President of the Russian Federation met with Vice President Pani Yathotou of Laos to underscore the warmth and durability of their nations’ cooperation. The report from RIA News captured the tone of the exchange, highlighting a relationship built on mutual respect and shared interests across political, economic, and cultural lines.
During the dialogue, President Putin commended Laos for its important role in regional and international dialogues. He described Laos as a country with a long history of friendly relations with Russia and noted that Laos has made a clear and meaningful contribution to the development of interstate ties. The president’s remarks reflected a recognition of the bilateral bond as a reliable and cooperative partnership, with Yathotou characterized in Moscow as a trusted and steadfast ally.
As part of the conversation, Putin asked Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith to convey his warm greetings and best wishes. He also expressed the hope that he might have the opportunity to travel to Laos in the near future, signaling ongoing engagement at the highest levels and a willingness to deepen people-to-people and institutional connections between the two countries.
Earlier in the proceedings, Vera Shcherbina, head of the Primorye administration, spoke about the forum’s leadership dynamics. She noted that Laos and China would be among the most senior foreign participants at this year’s EEF, underscoring the region’s focus on expanding cooperation with key partners, especially in the Far East. The gathering emphasized a broad, multi-lateral approach to development in the Asia-Pacific region, with Russia presenting its own growth strategies and economic initiatives to a diverse international audience.
The Eastern Economic Forum itself is scheduled to run from September 10 to 13, with sessions taking place on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University on Russky Island in Vladivostok. The venue provides a setting where policymakers, business leaders, and diplomats can exchange perspectives on investment opportunities, trade facilitation, and infrastructure projects spanning the Russian Far East to Southeast Asia. This year’s program highlights cooperation, regional connectivity, and the pursuit of shared prosperity across borders.
In remarks linked to the venue and the forum’s broader goals, officials stressed the importance of constructive dialogue and the promotion of peaceful, cooperative engagement on regional issues. The messaging from Moscow and its Lao counterparts pointed to a commitment to strengthening economic corridors, encouraging foreign direct investment, and fostering academic and cultural exchanges that deepen mutual understanding. This approach aligns with an ongoing strategy to expand bilateral and multilateral ties in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Observers noted that the forum’s emphasis on Laos as a senior participant reflects a broader pattern of growing collaboration between Russia and Southeast Asia. The exchanges at Vladivostok signal an intent to translate high-level diplomacy into concrete projects, from energy and transportation to technology and education. While the exact terms of any future visits or agreements remain to be announced, the tone of the discussions suggested a shared enthusiasm for closer cooperation and sustained engagement between the two nations.
In summary, the events surrounding the Eastern Economic Forum reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Russia and Laos, underscoring a mutual commitment to development, stability, and regional partnership. The actions and statements of the leaders conveyed a clear message: the bilateral relationship remains a priority, with ongoing dialogue expected to yield practical outcomes for both countries and their citizens. The forum’s atmosphere and the participants’ remarks painted a picture of a collaborative future shaped by mutual respect, shared interests, and proactive diplomacy. [Source attribution: RIA News]