(Unofficial Translation) 

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith has visited Korea several times, and I was told that this is your third visit to Busan. I’m grateful that you have such a special relationship with Korea. I join the Korean people in welcoming you on your first visit to Korea as Prime Minister.

This also makes the third time that I have met with the Prime Minister this year alone. I’m pleased that Laos and Korea are becoming so close. During my recent state visit to your country, we pledged to expand cooperation in a wide range of areas by linking Laos’ national development strategy and Korea’s New Southern Policy. Importantly, on the banks of the Mekong River, I announced the Republic of Korea-Mekong Vision, and it was very meaningful for us to set a significant milestone from which to expand opportunities to work together.   

Our two countries are rapidly implementing ongoing joint projects and, at the same time, expanding the scope of collaborations in agriculture and such future-oriented areas as ICT and startups. I salute the leadership of the Prime Minister, who has led the advancement of the Laotian economy as well as the promotion of our mutual ties.  

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between Laos and Korea. As we look ahead to the next quarter century, I have high expectations regarding today’s discussions about taking our relationship to the next level. I hope our ever-more-solid friendship enables us to jointly realize ASEAN’s common prosperity and the Mekong Vision.