Talks between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith were held in Astana in an expanded format. This is the first official visit by a Lao leader to Kazakhstan in history, reports infohub.kz.
Tokayev called Laos a key partner of Kazakhstan in Southeast Asia and proposed boosting exports of metallurgical, chemical, machinery, food, and pharmaceutical products. Joint logistics should become the main driver of cooperation.
Kazakhstan also offered Lao cargo carriers the use of the infrastructure of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), as well as Kazakhstan's terminals in China's Xi'an and Lianyungang and Georgia's Batumi. In turn, the Laos-China railway opens access for Astana to ASEAN markets.
"Kazakhstan provides about 85% of continental transportation between China and Europe. We have launched a logistics hub in Xi'an, China, whose platform Lao carriers can use. We see an opportunity to use our transport corridors for Lao products to reach Central Asian and European markets," Tokayev noted.
The head of state also urged Lao businesses to join the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), through which $27 billion in investments have already been attracted to Kazakhstan's economy.
President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith expressed deep gratitude for years of support, noting that ties between the peoples remain brotherly across decades.
"Kazakhstan provided assistance to Laos since the time of our national liberation struggle and continues to support our country to this day. Hundreds of Lao citizens have received education in Kazakhstan and now hold leadership positions in government and business. They all recall their study years with warmth," Sisoulith said.
Following the meeting, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Thongloun Sisoulith signed a Joint Statement. The governments of the two countries were tasked with preparing a package of interagency agreements in transport, logistics, and education.
It is worth noting that the leaders' meeting takes place ahead of an important milestone: in 2027, Kazakhstan and Laos will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.