Malaysian Ambassador to the Lao PDR Edi Irwan Mahmud gives an interview to Lao National TV in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on May 22, 2025

(KPL) In a significant move to deepen diplomatic and economic cooperation, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone, will undertake his inaugural official visit to Malaysia on 25 May 2025 at the invitation of Malaysian premier Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The visit, which precedes the 46th ASEAN Summit, underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations as they prepare to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Prime Minister Sonexay’s delegation, comprising six ministers and seven deputy ministers, alongside a Lao business delegation, will participate in a series of high-level engagements. The visit will commence with an official welcoming ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya, followed by a bilateral meeting where both leaders will discuss strengthening economic collaboration, regional connectivity, and ASEAN solidarity.

Key areas of focus

Malaysia, as the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, will explore further opportunities in renewable energy, logistics, and infrastructure. A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Thanaleng Dry Port (Laos) and Penang Port (Malaysia) is set to be signed, enhancing cross-border trade via rail and sea links.

As for energy and infrastructure, discussions will highlight ongoing projects such as the Don Sahong Hydropower Plant—a $500-600 million Malaysian investment—and potential collaborations under the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.

The two countries also aim to boost educational exchanges, tourism, and cultural cooperation, with Malaysia continuing to provide scholarships and technical training for Lao students.

Strengthening ASEAN Cooperation

As successive ASEAN Chairs in 2024 and 2025, Laos and Malaysia will reaffirm their commitment to ASEAN centrality, unity, and the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. The leaders will also address global challenges, including climate change and sustainable development, through multilateral frameworks.

A highlight of the visit will be the Malaysia-Laos Business Forum on 27 May, aimed at fostering private-sector partnerships. Additionally, Prime Minister Sonexay will tour Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), reflecting joint efforts in rail connectivity under the 2023 Lao-Malaysia railway agreement.

A Forward-Looking Partnership

In an interview with Lao National TV on May 22, Malaysian Ambassador to the Lao PDR Edi Irwan Mahmud, emphasized the visit’s significance: "The upcoming Official Visit of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to Malaysia presents a valuable opportunity for both nations to reaffirm and elevate our shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations. Nearly 60 years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and throughout this time, Malaysia and Laos have nurtured a warm, enduring, and close partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations."

As both nations prepare to commemorate six decades of diplomatic relations, this visit sets the stage for enhanced collaboration, ensuring mutual growth and a stronger ASEAN community.

KPL