Indonesia-Laos Strengthen Partnership Ahead of 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Jakarta: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono received a working visit from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Laos People's Democratic Republic, Thongsavan Phomvihane, in Jakarta on May 4, 2026.

The meeting focused on strengthening the Indonesia-Laos partnership, particularly ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.

"This momentum must be utilized to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, both in politics, economics, and people-to-people contact," said Foreign Minister Sugiono, as quoted by a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both sides also emphasized the importance of reactivating the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) mechanism as the main platform to encourage the implementation of more concrete cooperation between the two countries.

In the political and security spheres, both countries highlighted the rise of transnational crimes such as brazen fraud and human trafficking (TPPO), which also involve Indonesian citizens. Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the importance of implementing an effective framework to maintain security and stability in the region.

The two Ministers discussed efforts to increase trade, investment, connectivity, and tourism as drivers of the economy.

Indonesia encouraged strengthening strategic cooperation in the potassium sector as a fertilizer raw material, which has the potential to become a flagship project in supporting national and regional food security. At the same time, Indonesia also supported Laos' efforts to strengthen sustainable and inclusive economic development.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed that people-to-people cooperation needs to be strengthened through education and youth and cultural exchanges, and emphasized that shared community values ??and cultural heritage are essential assets for further strengthening relations.

In discussing regional and global issues, the two Ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality amidst geopolitical dynamics. Both emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN countries and prioritize the values ??of dialogue, mutual respect, and trust to maintain regional peace and stability.

This visit marked the first visit by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Laos to a Southeast Asian country since the formation of the new Laotian government last March. This meeting reflects Indonesia's active efforts to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries, while also affirming Indonesia's role as a strategic partner of Laos in the region.