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On April 2, 2025, a ceremony was held in Vientiane to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Republic of Finland.
(KPL) On April 2, 2025, a ceremony was held in Vientiane to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Republic of Finland.
The event was attended by Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, representing the Lao government, and Mr. Keijo Norvanto, Ambassador of Finland to Laos, along with deputy ministers, senior Lao officials, foreign diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and invited guests.
During the ceremony, Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Ambassador Keijo Norvanto expressed their mutual appreciation for the successful cooperation between Laos and Finland over the past five decades, dating back to the establishment of diplomatic ties on January 1, 1975.
Strong Bilateral Cooperation
Laos and Finland have maintained excellent relations, with Finland providing multifaceted support to Laos. High-level exchanges, congratulatory messages on key occasions, and reciprocal visits have strengthened ties. Notable engagements include the visit to Finland by then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith in 2014, Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Tapani Katainen’s visit to Laos and his participation in the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Vientiane in 2012.
Development Assistance & Key Projects
Finland has supported Laos through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, contributing to national development priorities, including natural resource management under the Mekong River Commission (MRC); environmental protection and sustainable energy initiatives; capacity-building for mapping services in southern Laos; and legal and governance reforms.
Although Finland’s bilateral aid programme (2007-2018) concluded, it continues to assist Laos as part of "Team Europe", focusing on agriculture, education, public administration, and governance (2021-2025, 2025-2027).
Finland Joins TAC, Reinforcing Regional Ties
In July 2024, Finland officially acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in Vientiane. As ASEAN Chair 2024, Laos played a key role in facilitating Finland’s accession, underscoring shared commitments to peace, stability, and development in the region.
Commemorative Events & Future Collaboration
To celebrate this milestone, leaders from both countries—including Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers—exchanged congratulatory messages. A business seminar, "Doing Business With Finland", was also held to promote trade and investment opportunities, paving the way for deeper economic ties.
KPL
