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

(ATTN: UPDATES with remarks from a Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson)
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 in
talks Monday 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.
Bouasone asked for Seoul's increased development assistance for his country,
according to Cheong Wa Dae's deputy spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye.
"President Lee said Korea will continue to share its development experience with
Laos and other ASEAN nations and he will instruct his officials to review
providing official development assistance to Laos," Kim told a press briefing.
Seoul plans to provide 1.9 trillion won (US$1.52 billion) in economic development
cooperation fund to ASEAN countries by 2012.
Bouasone delivered an invitation from his President Choumaly Saysone for Lee to
make a state visit to Laos.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)