ASIATODAY.ID, MANILA — Russia and Laos have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation as the two countries highlighted the strong level of bilateral ties during a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane held talks on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, emphasizing the continued expansion of cooperation between Moscow and Vientiane amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia.
Lavrov praised Laos’ role in advancing the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership and expressed appreciation for the steady development of bilateral relations.
“We highly appreciate the efficient development of our bilateral relations and the important role the Lao Republic plays in promoting the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership,” Lavrov said.
He highlighted recent high-level exchanges between the two countries, including Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith’s visit to Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in May and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s participation in the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan last month.
Lavrov said regular meetings between leaders of both countries have helped establish new priorities for cooperation.
“Our leaders set new tasks, and today is a good opportunity for our ministries to discuss how we can contribute to their effective implementation,” he said.
Thongsavanh also praised the close contacts between the Russian and Lao leaderships, describing the recent Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan as a successful step in strengthening regional cooperation.
Energy Cooperation Expands
The meeting also highlighted growing cooperation in the energy sector, with Russia and Laos signing an agreement on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation during the ASEAN gathering.
The agreement provides a legal framework for potential development of a Russian-designed small nuclear power plant in Laos, expanding cooperation in clean and advanced energy technology.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the agreement would support the development of peaceful nuclear cooperation between the two nations.
The ASEAN ministerial meetings in Manila are expected to focus on implementing agreements reached during the Russia-ASEAN Summit in Kazan, including a new five-year action plan covering political, security, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.
Lavrov is also scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with regional counterparts, as Moscow continues to strengthen engagement with Southeast Asian partners through ASEAN platforms. (RT)
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