Kuala Lumpur: The Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, is set to embark on an official visit to Malaysia on Sunday, where he will engage in discussions with his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The visit aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this marks Siphandone's first visit to Malaysia since assuming the role of Prime Minister in December 2022. The visit is strategically scheduled before the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit, and the first ASEAN-GCC-China Summit on May 26 and 27, emphasizing the robust ties between Malaysia and Laos.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry stated that Siphandone will be officially welcomed by Anwar at Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya, where a bilateral meeting will follow. The discussions will focus on the progress of ongoing bilateral relations, particularly in sectors such as trade and investment, defense, education, renewable energy, transportation, tourism, capacity building, agriculture, and the halal industry.

The leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, emphasizing ASEAN's strategic role as a unified platform to address common challenges, especially in light of emerging geopolitical and geoeconomics issues.

During his visit, Siphandone will be accompanied by his spouse, Madam Vandara Siphandone, along with ministers and senior government officials. In 2024, trade between Malaysia and Laos was recorded at USD21.9 million (RM99.7 million), with Malaysia exporting USD14.9 million (RM67.8 million) and importing USD7 million (RM31.9 million).

Malaysia holds the position of the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, with total investments amounting to USD942 million across 46 registered projects. These investments primarily focus on renewable energy, transport and logistics, telecommunications, construction, banking, and hotel services.