Astana and Vientiane become sister cities

Tengrinews.kz — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith held talks in Astana, culminating in the signing of a package of significant documents.
According to the Akorda press service, the heads of state presided over an exchange ceremony for the following signed intergovernmental documents:
1. Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic;
2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Office of the Supreme People's Prosecutor of the Lao People's Democratic Republic;

3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Technology and Communications of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on cooperation in information and communication technologies and e-government services;

4. Memorandum on the establishment of sister-city relations between the cities of Astana and Vientiane.
Photo by the Akorda press service
On September 3, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Thongloun Sisoulith held expanded-format talks at the Akorda, discussing prospects for developing political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.
The President of Kazakhstan expressed confidence that the first official visit of a leader of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Kazakhstan would provide a new impetus for strengthening bilateral ties.
It was emphasized that Kazakhstan views Laos as an important partner in Southeast Asia.

"We advocate for the further development of trade and economic interaction between Kazakhstan and Laos, viewing it as a vital foundation for the continued strengthening of our relations. We see significant potential for expanding the supply of Kazakhstani goods to the Laotian market, primarily products from the metallurgical, food, petrochemical, agricultural, chemical, mechanical engineering, and pharmaceutical industries," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during the negotiations.

Tokayev and Laotian President discuss new avenues for cooperation