Ulaanbaatar, January 28, 2025 /MONTSAME/. On January 26-28, 2025, the 12th Meeting of the Mongolia-Laos Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economy, Science, and Technical Cooperation was held in Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. 

At the meeting, the two sides exchanged information on the socio-economic condition of the two countries and discussed Mongolia-Laos cooperation in trade, economy, road transportation, healthcare, agriculture, environment, culture, education, and tourism.

Expressing satisfaction that bilateral relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Laos are expanding in all areas based on the principle of mutual benefit and support, the two sides commended the strengthening of political trust and normalization of the frequency of reciprocal high-level visits and dialogue.

Minister of Road and Transport of Mongolia Delgersaikhan Borkhuu, who is chairing the Mongolian side, and Minister of Health of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, chairing the Laotian side, emphasized that Mongolia-Laos Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economy, Science, and Technical Cooperation plays a crucial role in realizing the agreements reached during State Visits and developing the comprehensive, and mutually beneficial and supportive cooperation between the two countries. 

The two sides noted that the defense cooperation between Mongolia and Laos has intensified over the past years and agreed to oversee the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding established between the Defence Ministries of the two countries in 2022. 

In line with increasing trade turnover between the two countries, the two sides agreed to explore possibilities of reciprocally supplying commodities. In particular, meat and meat products from Mongolia to Laos, and rice, fruits and berries, and redwood products from Laos to Mongolia. Furthermore, the two sides agreed to supply livestock, raw products originating from livestock, and livestock breeding products from Mongolia to Laos, and negotiate the terms of veterinary and quarantine certificates and trade conditions.

In order to bolster trade and economic cooperation and increase the volume of exports and imports, the two sides emphasized the importance of solving issues on transport and logistics. The Laotian side underlined that the 414 km railway connecting Vientiane and Kunming City (the People’s Republic of China) completed in 2021 serves to facilitate trade, reduce transport and logistical challenges, and increase the flow of people not only in Laos but the region as a whole.

Noting the successful development of cooperation between the two countries, the two sides agreed to ensure the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Ministries of Health, to organize short- and medium-term training programs for Laotian doctors, to establish connections between the two countries’ tourism companies, and to exchange experiences and cooperate in the development of cultural tourism.

The two parties praised the fact that students and young people from both countries are receiving government scholarships under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Education Sector. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue active cooperation with the United Nations and other international organizations and to deepen this cooperation further. Within this framework, they agreed to continue working together to enhance the activities of the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries.

The Laotian side acknowledged Mongolia’s contribution to global efforts in combating climate change, fighting desertification, and protecting the environment. They also expressed their intention to send a high-level delegation to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be held in Ulaanbaatar in 2026. In addition, they reaffirmed their support for Mongolia’s aspiration to become a dialogue partner of ASEAN, to participate in the East Asia Summit, and to join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

The 12th Meeting of the Mongolia-Laos Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economy, Science, and Technical Cooperation took place in a productive and amicable atmosphere. As a result of the meeting, the two parties signed a Protocol to Elevate Cooperation to a New Level in All Sectors, including the economy, trade, road and transport, agriculture, health, education, and tourism.