DPM Attends ASEAN-Korea Partnership Conference to Strengthen Strategic Ties.

(KPL): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, joined the International Conference on ASEAN-Korea Partnership in Seoul, R. Korea on Thursday, marking 35 years of ASEAN-Korea cooperation and 15 years since the establishment of the ASEAN-Korea Centre. The event focused on strengthening strategic partnerships and exploring future collaboration across a range of sectors. According to Lao News Agency, in his address, Mr. Saleumxay highlighted the achievements of the ASEAN-Korea partnership, underscoring its significant role in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity across the ASEAN region and globally. He also pointed to the elevation of ASEAN-Korea relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the recent 25th ASEAN-Korea Summit in Vientiane in October, a move that reflects both parties' commitment to deepening cooperation. Discussions at the conference centered on future directions for the ASEAN-Korea partnership, with a focus on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, education, and cultural exchange. These efforts will be facilitated through the ASEAN-Korea Centre, which aims to build a more integrated and mutually beneficial partnership. In addition, Mr. Saleumxay held bilateral talks with the Republic of Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Cho Tae-yul. The two diplomats discussed recent joint initiatives and reviewed the outcomes of previous exchanges between Laos and the Republic of Korea, including a recent summit in Vientiane between President Thongloun Sisoulith and the Republic of Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol. The summit strengthened the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Mr. Saleumxay expressed appreciation for the Republic of Korea's support for Laos, particularly in areas such as healthcare, unexploded ordnance (UXO) removal, human resources development, and labor assistance. He noted R. Korea's contributions as Laos assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship this year and propos ed a joint celebration for the upcoming 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and the Republic of Korea, signifying a shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.