Laos, Mongolia further relations

Relations between Laos and Mongolia have been developing since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1962, but especially since 2001, Lao National Assembly officials said yesterday.

Mr Damdin Demberel (left) receives flowers and is welcomed by Mr Thongsing Thammavong prior to attending bilateral talks yesterday in Vientiane .

The officials said relations had been developed through the exchange of visits by delegations at many levels, including visits by leaders at the highest level. This reflected the commitment of the leaders of the two countries to further enhance their cooperation. This week, Chairman of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia, Mr Damdin Demberel, paid an official goodwill visit to Laos in response to an invitation from the President of the Lao National Assembly, Mr Thongsing Thammavong. The visit aimed to expand the two countries' tradition of relations and cooperation, especially in the areas of health, education, agriculture and legislation. Mr Demberel arrived in Vientiane on Monday, and held bilateral talks with Mr Thongsing on Tuesday at his office at the National Assembly. The two sides informed each other of the socio-economic developments in their respective countries over the past year. Standing National Assembly member Mr Somphou Duangsavanh, who is in charge of welcoming the Mongolian delegation, said Laos and Mongolia had some characteristics in common: both countries were land-locked and had small populations. These conditions meant cooperation in trade and investment between the two countries was relatively undeveloped due to geographical constraints. In the 1980s, Mongolia helped Laos to build a hospital in Xieng Khuang province and provided training for health officials, said Mr Somphou. At the same time, Mongolia worked with an animal breeding group in Xieng Khuang province to help boost productivity, he said. Mr Somphou said in the area of education, Mongolia had sent nationals to study in Laos and Laos had sent officials to study in Mongolia. The two countries will continue their cooperation in these sectors and help each other in accordance with their abilities, he said. Mongolia has a population of just over 2.5 million people. It is famous for animal breeding, especially horses and sheep, and has about 40 million animals. One of its major exports is animal products. Laos and Mongolia established diplomatic relations on September 12, 1962, since when relations have steadily developed. In 2007, President Choummaly Sayasone visited Mongolia and in March this year Mr Thongsing also paid an official visit to the country. Yesterday, Mr Demberel also visited Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh and Minister of Education Prof Dr Somkot Mangnomek to discuss further cooperation.

By Somsack Pongkhao