President Thongloun’s full article ahead of his visit to Russia

"Continue to strengthen Laos-Russia friendship and cooperation towards greater depth for peace and development."

By Thongloun Sisoulith
President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

In response to the invitation from His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, I am deeply honoured to lead a high-level delegation of the Lao PDR on an official visit to the Russian Federation in the near future. On this occasion, I would like to communicate with our Russian friends through the TASS News Agency, one of Russia’s largest, oldest, and most reputable news agencies.

The friendship and cooperation between Laos and Russia is longstanding and has deep roots, established during the period when Laos began its struggle for independence and freedom—a most challenging time in which the Soviet Union supported and assisted Laos’ revolutionary cause. This solidarity has become a steadfast foundation for our cooperation, enduring until today.

A significant landmark in the history of Laos-Russia relations was the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Laos and the Soviet Union on October 7, 1960. 

After the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in 1975, the Soviet Union continued to provide substantial support and assistance to the newly established and war-torn country. This aid was crucial in helping Laos recover from the devastating war, particularly in fields such as education, healthcare, national defence and security, and economic rehabilitation.

On December 31, 1991, the Lao PDR officially recognised the Russian Federation as the rightful successor to the Soviet Union. Subsequently, in 1994, the two nations signed the Treaty on the Principles of Friendly Relations between the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation, marking a new era of cooperation.
In 2011, the two countries elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership on security in the Asia-Pacific. In 2013, the Russian Centre for Science and Culture was reopened in Vientiane, playing a vital role in promoting cultural and people-to-people links between Laos and Russia.
We are pleased to witness that since 2014, Laos-Russia cooperation has expanded across nearly all potential sectors of mutual interest.
Notable achievements in political and security cooperation: Our two countries have maintained frequent exchanges at various levels, from technical to top leadership. Party-to-party relations have grown closer. Russia has continued to train Lao personnel  in various fields, including national defence and security, while also providing assistance in education and healthcare.
In recent years, Russia has dispatched bomb disposal teams to Laos to help clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) left from US airstrikes during the war. These remnants of war continue to cause suffering and casualties among the Lao people to this day. This demonstrates Russia’s humanitarian cooperation with Laos, among other key areas.
The Lao people have always remembered and deeply appreciated the noble and generous spirit of the Russian government and people, an enduring bond that will never be forgotten.
This year in Moscow, a grand ceremony was held on May 9 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This is a significant event in the history of the Russian people and of humanity worldwide. The Lao PDR was deeply honoured to send a military contingent to participate in the parade at the Red Square as part of this momentous Victory Day celebration.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation between our two countries has progressed steadily, particularly in the fields of mineral exploration and processing, energy, and other sectors.
Collaboration in education, public health, cultural exchanges, and other areas has also seen many achievements over the past decades. Notably, Russia’s longstanding support for human resource development has helped Laos cultivate a strong workforce, which has been a vital force in the nation’s development so far and in the future.
People-to-people links continue to grow stronger, with the number of Russian tourists visiting Laos increasing every year. In 2024 alone, over 48,000 visits were recorded and we hope to welcome even more Russian friends in the coming years.
Regarding multilateral cooperation, our two countries have consistently supported each other, shared similar views on many issues, and upheld the fundamental principles of international relations. Both sides have promoted multilateralism and the establishment of a multipolar world with a more just and equitable global order. I highly commend Russia’s role as a pillar of peace and stability in today’s turbulent world.
Within the ASEAN framework, Russia is one of ASEAN’s key dialogue partners. The Lao PDR highly values the fruitful cooperation between ASEAN and Russia over the past three decades. In 2016, when the Lao PDR had the honour of serving as the ASEAN Chair for the second time, I was deeply privileged to co-chair, alongside President Vladimir Putin, the celebration of the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations in Sochi, Russia, marking a resounding success.
With ASEAN and Russia elevating their relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2018, the Lao PDR is pleased to see Russia’s significant contributions in supporting and enhancing ASEAN’s centrality in various cooperation mechanisms. At the same time, we emphasise the importance of implementing the Strategic Partnership to elevate ASEAN-Russia relations to new heights. In 2026, we will jointly celebrate the 30th anniversary of this important milestone in ASEAN-Russia cooperation.
Dear and respected Russian friends,
My current visit to Russia coincides with several special and meaningful occasions: the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, the 65th anniversary of Lao-Russian diplomatic relations (October 7, 1960-October 7, 2025), and the 60th anniversary of the Lao-Russian and Russian-Lao Friendship Associations. This presents an excellent opportunity for myself and President Vladimir Putin to review the legacy of friendship and cooperation between our two nations, as well as to jointly set future directions for comprehensive bilateral collaboration, all for the benefit of our peoples.
As one of the many hundreds or thousands of former Lao students and researchers who studied and lived in the Russian Federation, I am always filled with pride whenever I have the opportunity to return to this beautiful country and witness its remarkable, rapid, and miraculous growth and progress.
On this visit to Russia, I feel as though I have come back to meet dear friends and comrades—those closest to me, like family. I am deeply grateful and will forever remember the immense kindness shown by this vast land, where respected Russian teachers and beloved friends have nurtured, supported, and imparted knowledge and cherished memories to me and all Lao people. This is something we will never forget.

Thank you 

 (Latest Update July 29, 2025)