VIENTIAN, May 23 Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Russian Federation, the head of «United Russia» Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Laos, reports a correspondent.
On Tuesday, he will hold talks with President Thonglun Sisulit, who also holds the post of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the People's Revolutionary Party of Laos, and members of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Ministers Wilay Lakhamfong and Tyansamon Tyanyalat.
The meetings will discuss the development of political dialogue, trade and economic relations, international issues, including issues of regional cooperation and the situation around Ukraine.
Laos is located in Southeast Asia, bordering Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Myanmar and Thailand. Has no access to the sea. The population of the country is 7.34 million people.
«»Mutual trade turnover is very modest, does not correspond to the existing potential. At the end of 2022, it decreased by 36.4%, amounting to $12.9 million,» Medvedev's secretariat said, welcoming Vientiane's mood to diversify trade and economic ties and creating a favorable environment for Russian investment activities in Laos.
«We are ready to discuss the issues of using national currencies in mutual trade, the possibility of paying for goods and services, as well as withdrawing cash in Laos using Mir cards. We are interested in developing cooperation in the field of energy — fuel and energy complex, peaceful use of atomic energy, supplies to Laos chrysotile asbestos,» the secretariat said.
It is noted that Russia views Laos as a long-standing and reliable partner in Southeast Asia.
«We welcome the increase in delegation exchanges between parliaments, ruling parties and law enforcement agencies. We look forward to deepening inter-party ties both at the bilateral level and in multilateral formats,» the secretariat stressed.