SINGAPORE,14 May 2025 –  Philippine Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig warmly welcomed the Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Singapore,  H.E Vilatsone Visonnavong, during a courtesy call of the latter at the Philippine Embassy today. Ambassador Visonnavong presented his credentials to President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on 29 April 2025.

Ambassador Macaraig and Ambassador Visonnavong discussed various topics of mutual interest, foremost of which is strengthening ASEAN centrality and unity. Both Ambassadors reaffirmed the Philippines’ and Lao PDR’s commitment to ensuring that ASEAN remains a cohesive and proactive bloc. Ambassador Visonnavong extended his appreciation to the Philippines for supporting Lao PDR’s ASEAN chairship in 2024. He likewise committed Lao PDR’s support in anticipation of the Philippines’ ASEAN leadership in 2026.

They also had the opportunity to exchange perspectives on issues such as the current international trade environment, global climate change efforts and education-related initiatives.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing optimism for the future of Philippine-Lao relations, especially in people-to-people engagements. The Philippine government established diplomatic relations with the then Kingdom of Laos on 14 January 1955. (END).