Courtesy Call with the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to the United Kingdom

On June 18, 2025, the ASEAN- UK YLI team paid a virtual courtesy call with Mr. Thavone Singharaj, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Laos in London, United Kingdom and Ms. Souvanthorng Malavong, the Third Secretary.

During the meeting, Mr. Chhuon Vanndasambath, General Coordinator, Mr. Thri Shri, Deputy General Coordinator, and Ms. Chhoeun Yutathavy, Programme Coordinator, briefed DHM Mr. Thavone Singharaj and his team on the latest progress and initiatives of ASEAN-UK YLI.

They discussed the diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the UK, commemorating this year's 70th anniversary, the recent visit of Minister Catherine West to Laos in mid-April, Laos's ASEAN Chairmanship last year, and the 3rd ASEAN-UK Foreign Ministerial Meeting held in Vientiane.

Mr. Thavone provided an insightful overview of the bilateral cooperation, focusing on political security, cross-cutting issues, as well as economic and cultural aspects. He emphasised the priorities and values shared by both countries. Notably, the 4th Political Consultation is planned for September 2025 in London. The relationship between Laos and the UK is progressing, with both states committed to maintaining and strengthening existing ties. Both nations are committed to improving their positive relationship through high-level visits, building mutual trust, and enhancing bilateral trade. Although Laos is a landlocked country that poses challenges to trade figures, initiatives are underway to boost British investment in Laos. In the social and cultural sectors, collaboration continues in areas like unexploded ordnance (UXO), tourism, climate change, education, infrastructure, and investment.

Regarding multilateral relations, Laos supports the UK as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner and anticipates the expansion of the ASEAN Chevening Scholarship, capacity building, and human resource development, alongside people-to-people exchanges and the young leader programme. Laos and the UK are dedicated to maintaining, strengthening, and broadening the scope of their cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Given that Laos held the ASEAN Chairmanship in the middle of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action (POA) 2022-2026, this political commitment will enhance collaboration between ASEAN Member States and the UK, opening avenues for strategic and constructive initiatives that benefit the citizens of both ASEAN and the UK.

Additionally, during the meeting, both sides also explored the potential for collaboration to promote a deeper understanding of Laos-UK relations, particularly during the 70th anniversary, through the sharing session and research. We are eager to strengthen our ties with the youth of Laos.