VIENTIANE, March 1 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of Laos and Timor-Leste have agreed to boost bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, energy, services, tourism, and investment.
The agreement was made during a state visit to Laos by Timor-Leste's President Jose Ramos-Horta and his delegation from Feb. 27 to March 2, at the invitation of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, according to a Lao Army Television report on Friday.
The two sides agreed to establish a Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation between Laos and Timor-Leste as a mechanism to promote cooperation as well as monitor and actuate the implementation of agreements made between the two governments to ensure they are executed efficiently and productively.
The two presidents said they highly valued the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, which has been strengthened through reciprocal visits by government leaders.
Thongloun reaffirmed Laos' position on supporting Timor-Leste and promised to share its experience as Timor-Leste prepares to become a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Timor-Leste's president reiterated his support for Laos' chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024 and respect for the consensus and centrality of ASEAN, including agreements made among ASEAN leaders in past years.
In addition, the two presidents witnessed the signing of an agreement on economic, trade and technical cooperation by Laos' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, and Timor-Leste's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito dos Santos Freitas, according to the report. ■
