The Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Lao People's Democratic Republic have maintained and always enjoyed traditional ties of cordial friendship and close cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 12 July 1955. Myanmar and Lao are bound by deeply rooted religion (Theravada Buddhism), tradition and cultural affinities dating back many centuries, providing a solid foundation for our cordial ties and cooperation.

On bilateral relations, Myanmar has always attached great importance to her relations with the Lao PDR on the basis of good neighborliness and the principles of peaceful coexistence. It is with profound satisfaction to witness that Myanmar and Lao are not only close neighbors sharing a common border along the mighty Mekong River but also partners enjoying friendly relations and cooperating in many areas ranging from trade to tourism, culture to connectivity, education to energy as well as people-to-people exchanges. However, there still exist ample opportunities to promote bilateral cooperation particularly in border and transit trade, investment, electricity, green energy and agriculture amongst others to serve the interests of our peoples in the years ahead.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, there has been frequent exchange of high-level visits which also fostered personal friendship between the leaders of both countries. As such, these visits have paved ways to consolidate the existing good-neighborly friendship and expansion of bilateral cooperation between Myanmar and Lao over the years. Myanmar hopes that such fine tradition of exchange of visits will continue in future as well.

Myanmar and Lao are also working together closely within various sub-regional and regional frameworks such as LMC, ACMECS and ASEAN for the peace and prosperity of our region and helping each other in times of need. These brotherly bonds and cooperation between Myanmar and Lao have not only yield benefits to our two countries and peoples but also contributed significantly to ASEAN solidarity and regional prosperity as well.

It is a firm belief that Myanmar-Lao cordial friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation will continue to flourish with the commitments and guidance of the leadership of Myanmar and Lao PDR, serving the interests of our two countries and peoples in the years to come.