Laos, Cuba vow to strengthen ties

The governments of Laos and Cuba have agreed to strengthen friendship and cooperation, especially through mutual support under various bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane (right) receives the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, during his official visit to Laos.

The pledge came during an official visit to Laos by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and his delegation on February 20-21, at the invitation of Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
In talks with Mr Parrilla and his delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Mr Thongsavanh said he highly valued the growing cooperation between the parties, states and peoples of Laos and Cuba as evidenced by the regular reciprocal visits made by the countries’ leaders.
The ministers encouraged the fulfilment of agreements made between government leaders and other documents signed by the two governments in past years.
 They agreed on future cooperation plans in various sectors, such as politics, health, education, sport, commerce, investment, agriculture, and cultural affairs.
The two sides agreed to continue to support each other, especially within groupings such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of 77 and China.
Mr Thongsavanh thanked his Cuban counterpart for the support provided to Laos in past years and reaffirmed his commitment to continue to encourage cooperation between various sectors in Laos and Cuba, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the visit, Mr Parrilla and his delegation also called on President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
The Lao leaders said they highly valued the Cuban delegation’s visit to Laos, which contributed to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Laos and Cuba.
Mr Parrilla thanked the President and the Prime Minister for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his intention to closely cooperate with Laos to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Last year, Laos and Cuba celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, amid closer ties between the two countries in many fields.

By Siladda Suliyong
 (Latest Update February 24, 2025)