Vientiane:Lao Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavanh recently met with Swedish Ambassador Hammargren to discuss the strengthening of bilateral ties between Laos and Sweden.

According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Thongsavanh congratulated Ambassador Hammargren on her new appointment and expressed gratitude for Sweden's development assistance provided through the European Union. This assistance has been pivotal in supporting Laos' socio-economic development and its implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

During the meeting, Mr. Thongsavanh informed the ambassador about Laos' preparations for graduating from Least Developed Country status by the end of 2026. He expressed optimism that both Sweden and the EU would continue their support for Laos following this transition. Additionally, Mr. Thongsavanh urged for increased Swedish investment in sectors such as clean energy and tourism and called for enhanced people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Hammargren, in response, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome from the Lao side and committed to working towards further strengthening the friendly relations and cooperation between the two nations, which have shared diplomatic ties for over sixty years.