Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh of Laos have today announced their intention to elevate the bilateral relationship between Australia and Laos to a Comprehensive Partnership.

The announcement followed their meeting in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of the 2nd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and East Asia Summit and is part of the Government’s strategy to deepen Australia’s engagement in Southeast Asia.

Australia and Laos enjoy a 70 year unbroken relationship that is built on mutual respect and understanding. The elevation of the relationship will explore further areas for bilateral and regional cooperation, including on energy, climate and transnational crime.

The two Prime Ministers asked their Foreign Ministers to develop a plan to strengthen cooperation in accordance with the new Comprehensive Partnership.

The leaders also discussed developments in trade and investment, a shared commitment to a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and Australia’s appreciation for Laos’ role as our ASEAN Country Coordinator.