S. Korea, Laos agree to improve bilateral ties, increase cooperation

JEJU ISLAND, South Korea, June 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak
agreed to increase his country's assistance to Laos and improve bilateral ties
Monday in talks with Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh here.

"President Lee offered to provide official development aid to Laos that will
include sharing Korea's own development experience," Seoul's presidential office
Cheong Wa Dae said after the meeting held ahead of a special summit between Lee
and leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The two-day summit, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of
dialogue partnership between Korea and ASEAN, will continue through Tuesday.
Lee and Bouasone noted the significance of a Korea-Laos energy cooperation
committee launched in April, saying it provided a framework for practical energy
cooperation between the countries.
The South Korean president called for the Laotian government's support for South
Korean businesses in Laos, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Bouasone delivered an invitation from his President Choumaly Saysone for Lee to
make a state visit to Laos, it added.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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