Prime Minister Albanese and HE Mr Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, signed an agreement elevating ties between Australia and Laos to a Comprehensive Partnership.  

Australia is proud to be one of Laos’ longest-standing partners, a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding and close cooperation.

The Australia-Laos Comprehensive Partnership will drive bilateral cooperation across four pillars, reflecting our shared priorities for the future:

• People, education and human resource development;
• Economics, trade and investment;
• Climate, environment and energy; and
• Defence and law enforcement.

Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 identified agriculture and food, resources and green energy as key areas of opportunity for Australian business in Laos. The Comprehensive Partnership will also support Laos to maximise sustainable development in these sectors.

Prime Minister Albanese also announced that Australia has committed $3 million to Monash University’s World Mosquito Program to assist in the elimination of dengue fever in Laos. The program will fund research and allow Australia to share world-class knowledge and resources to manage the spread of dengue fever in Laos.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am honoured to Co-Chair this week’s ASEAN Special Summit with Prime Minister Sonexay.

“This milestone Comprehensive Partnership reflects our commitment to bring Australia and Laos even closer together.”