Indonesia, Laos Hold Seminar On Bilateral Ties

JAKARTA, Oct 9 (Antara) - The governments of Indonesia and Lao held a seminar on the 60th anniversary of their bilateral relation as stated on the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Sunday. In the seminar which was held in Vientiane, the Director General of Asia-Pacific and African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Desra Percaya, emphasized that there were various opportunities for the enhancement of Indonesia-Laos relations, including in the field of investment. On that occasion, Desra Percaya interacted with the Laotian youth who attended the seminar. He stressed the need for efforts to raise awareness and interaction between the peoples of both countries. In addition to the seminar, Desra enjoyed a dinner together with Lao Foreign Minister and Indonesian Ambassador to Laos, Irmawan Wisnandar. The Lao Foreign Ministry delivered a review on 60 years of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Laos. In addition, the Lao Government also expressed support for the nomination of Indonesia as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period of 2019-2020. Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Laos have been established since August 30, 1957. The closeness of the Indonesia and Laos relationship is marked by the increasing frequency of visits of high-ranking officials of both countries and the mutual support of their respective positions and nominations in various international institutions. The Laotian government greatly appreciates the attitude and assistance of the Government of Indonesia during the struggle for independence and Indonesia's strong support for Laos to become an ASEAN member.