S. Korean president promises continued support for Laos

By Byun Duk-kun
HUA HIN, Thailand, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak
promised continued support and assistance for Laos at a summit with Laotian Prime
Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh here Saturday, Lee's presidential office said.

"The two leaders noted the recent development in the relationship between their
countries and agreed to work together to further expand their cooperation in the
future," the office said in a release.
The summit was held on the sidelines of regional forums hosted by the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations, of which Laos is a member.
Lee arrived here late Friday after making stops in Vietnam and Cambodia, also
members of the 10-nation ASEAN, for bilateral summits.
He asked for Bouasone to support South Korean companies currently doing business
in Laos' energy and resources sector and to help provide more opportunities for
them, according to the presidential office.
Bouasone expressed gratitude for Seoul's development assistance and asked for
continued support.
"President Lee said South Korea will continue to provide its development aid and
loans to Laos while also sharing its own development experience with the
country," the press release said.