Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongsavan Phomvihane meets with Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Espen Barth Eide, in Manila on July 23.

Laos, Norway eye closer ties in economic affairs, technology

The governments of Laos and Norway have agreed to enhance bilateral relations and expand cooperation in key areas, including trade, technology and innovation, during high-level talks held on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, the Philippines.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongsavan Phomvihane met with Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Espen Barth Eide, on July 23 to discuss ways to further deepen ties between the two countries, according to a news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with both sides expressing satisfaction at the opportunity to meet and describing the talks as an important step towards further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
The two ministers said they highly valued the steady development of ties between Laos and Norway over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991.
They reiterated their shared wish to further enhance cooperation and agreed to engage in more practical collaboration, particularly in economic development, technology and innovation.
The ministers also shared views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing common challenges.
The meeting took place as part of meetings associated with the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which brought together ASEAN member states and dialogue partners to discuss regional cooperation and international affairs.
The talks reflected the shared commitment of Laos and Norway to further strengthening their longstanding friendship and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 28, 2026)