Elchin Amirbayov paid a working visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic

On August 22, 2024, Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on special assignments, paid a working visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic. During the visit, E.Amirbayov met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith. The meeting focused on the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries and explored the prospects for expanding and developing cooperation in various fields, including political, economic, and humanitarian areas, as well as within the ASEAN context.

E.Amirbayov emphasized that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Laos, and proposed celebrating this significant milestone with special events and projects. He also welcomed the Lao government's initiative to establish a Friendship Association, consisting of Laotians who studied in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era. He praised the activity and initiatives of this institution and noted that the visit of the association's members to Baku in May of this year was particularly memorable. E.Amirbayov reaffirmed Azerbaijan's interest in developing effective cooperation with Laos in various fields.

Minister Kommasith expressed his willingness to strengthen relations with Azerbaijan in many areas, recognizing Azerbaijan's growing influence on the international stage. He also conveyed his readiness to take practical steps to enhance cooperation in the near future.

At the meeting, E.Amirbayov provided detailed information on the post-conflict processes in the region, the current situation and prospects of the peace process with Armenia, and the ongoing restoration, construction, and demining efforts on the liberated lands. He also briefed the other side on the working trip of the delegation from the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, which took place at the invitation of the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC).

The importance of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which Azerbaijan is hosting this year, was also highlighted. It was emphasized that COP29 presents favorable opportunities for effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and Laos in this field. The Lao side was invited to participate actively in the event with a high-level delegation.