Ulaanbaatar, August 21, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Battsetseg Batmunkh, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, held official talks in Ulaanbaatar on August 20, 2025.

During the opening remarks, Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh extended heartfelt congratulations to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for its successful chairmanship of the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC). Minister Battsetseg also expressed her appreciation for entrusting Mongolia with the honorable role of chairing the Forum, representing the East Asian region for the 2025-2027 term. In response, Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane conveyed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to the Lao delegation.

The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the traditional friendship relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation between Mongolia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the years ahead. Both sides engaged in an exchange of views on concrete opportunities for trade and economic collaboration, particularly through the reciprocal supply of goods that reflect the unique resources and production capacities of each country. This includes the export of meat and meat products from Mongolia, and rice, fruits, berries, and redwood products from Laos.

As part of this initiative, the Ministers emphasized the importance of resolving transportation and logistics challenges to advance bilateral trade, noting that Mongolia can access Southeast Asian markets through the China-Laos Railway, which links Vientiane in Laos and Kunming in China. It was noted that the legal framework for direct flights between Mongolia and Laos has been finalized. The two sides agreed to foster ties between regions in their respective countries to organize joint tourism programs showcasing the natural and cultural beauty of Mongolia, as well as the renowned destinations of Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng in Laos.

Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane highlighted that a significant number of Lao students are currently receiving quality education at universities and colleges in Mongolia, and expressed his commitment to continuing this cooperation in the future. Minister Thongsavanh emphasized that the “Laos-Mongolia Friendship Hospital”, established through a grant aid from Mongolia, has been consistently operational, and conveyed his gratitude for Mongolia’s ongoing humanitarian support to Laos, including the deployment of medical specialists and the provision of material assistance.

The Ministers restated their commitment to expand and strengthen cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations.