PM meets President Putin to strengthen ties, eyes BRICS membership

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone paid a courtesy call on Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok on September 4 during the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), where he also expressed Laos’ interest in joining BRICS.

Dr Sonexay Siphandone meets Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday.

BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2006, now counts 11 members after a major expansion in 2024.

Dr Sonexay said Laos is considering the possibility of membership in BRICS, describing the group as an important platform for regional economic development, according to the TV BRICS website.

"We are interested in becoming a member of BRICS. At present, we are in the process of studying this issue," TV BRICS quoted the Lao Prime Minister as saying during the Russia–Laos Business Dialogue, a sideline event of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

BRICS aims to strengthen economic and political cooperation among Global South nations, while also pushing for more equal participation in international institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

Prime Minister Sonexay led the Lao delegation attending the EEF, which this year marks its 10th anniversary and takes the theme “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity”.

During his meeting with President Putin, Dr Sonexay conveyed warm greetings from President Thongloun Sisoulith and thanked Russia for the respectful reception of the Lao President’s visit in July. 

He said Laos would work with the Russian side to ensure that agreements reached during that visit would be fully implemented to deliver practical benefits for both countries.

Dr Sonexay also thanked Russia for inviting Laos as a guest at the EEF and praised the event as a valuable mechanism for regional and global economic dialogue.

President Putin welcomed the Lao Prime Minister, saying that relations between the two countries are developing in all key areas. He noted that trade between Laos and Russia grew by 60 percent in 2024 and by nearly 20 percent from January to May this year.

While in Russia, Dr Sonexay also visited Lao students at the Suvorov Military School in Ussuriysk, encouraging them to focus on their studies so they can contribute to Laos’ future development.

The Eastern Economic Forum gathers government leaders, policymakers, business executives and experts to discuss equitable cooperation between Russia and regional partners amid shifting global dynamics.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 8, 2025)