Vientiane: The Azerbaijani Embassy in Laos organized a significant official reception in Vientiane, marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Laos. The event highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in historical ties that extend well into the previous century.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the reception was attended by various dignitaries, including Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, and other high-ranking officials from Laos. Members of the Azerbaijan-Laos Friendship Association, ambassadors, businessmen, and Azerbaijani expatriates in Laos were also present.
Elnur Mammadov, speaking at the event, noted that while the anniversary marks 30 years of formal diplomatic relations, the friendship between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Laos is much older. He emphasized the continuous expansion of cooperation between the countries over the past three decades, highlighting their support for each other in international organizations such as the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Mammadov also recalled a significant meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Laos’s President Thongloun Sisoulith during the BRICS summit in Russia last year, where they discussed enhancing bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane reflected on the historical ties between the two nations, noting that many Laotians educated in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era returned as specialists, significantly contributing to Laos’s development. He expressed optimism about future collaborations, mentioning that high-level official visits and the first political consultations in Laos would further strengthen bilateral relations.
The event concluded with a video presentation about Azerbaijan, celebrating the shared history and future cooperation between the two countries.