ID :
186847
Tue, 06/07/2011 - 07:34
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http://m.oananews.org//node/186847
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Laos, Austria bolster ties
VIENTIANE,JUNE. (KPL)- Austria will provide low-interest loans to boost socio-economic development in Laos, particularly in the areas of education, technology, health and environmental protection.
Austrian Foreign Minister Dr Michael Spindelegger informed Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith of his country’s intentions on June 3 during an official visit to Austria. Dr Thongloun’s visit was in response to an invitation from his Austrian counterpart.
The two sides expressed appreciation of their bilateral relations and cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1967.
Despite achievements to date, however, the two leaders observed that cooperation in trade and investment is still limited, and committed to promote business between their two countries. The two sides also agreed it was necessary to enter into an agreement on the promotion and protection of investment.
Dr Spindelegger congratulated Laos on the opening of its embassy in Austria this year, saying it will contribute to strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Laos is committed to supporting the role of Austria in the European and international arenas.
The Lao side thanked Austria for loans in support of poverty reduction, saying this will help Laos to graduate from least developed country status by 2020. As the chair of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Laos thanked Austria for supporting the First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions held in Vientiane last year.
Dr Thongloun said he hoped Austria will support Laos’s bid for membership in the World Trade Organisation as well as helping Laos to host the Asia-Europe Meeting in Vientiane at the end of next year.
Dr Thongloun also met with the third president of the Austrian Lower House and Deputy Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. He also visited a hydropower project.
Dr Thongloun will next visit Hungary to attend the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Budapest. His tour is scheduled to end on June 9.
Austrian Foreign Minister Dr Michael Spindelegger informed Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith of his country’s intentions on June 3 during an official visit to Austria. Dr Thongloun’s visit was in response to an invitation from his Austrian counterpart.
The two sides expressed appreciation of their bilateral relations and cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1967.
Despite achievements to date, however, the two leaders observed that cooperation in trade and investment is still limited, and committed to promote business between their two countries. The two sides also agreed it was necessary to enter into an agreement on the promotion and protection of investment.
Dr Spindelegger congratulated Laos on the opening of its embassy in Austria this year, saying it will contribute to strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Laos is committed to supporting the role of Austria in the European and international arenas.
The Lao side thanked Austria for loans in support of poverty reduction, saying this will help Laos to graduate from least developed country status by 2020. As the chair of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Laos thanked Austria for supporting the First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions held in Vientiane last year.
Dr Thongloun said he hoped Austria will support Laos’s bid for membership in the World Trade Organisation as well as helping Laos to host the Asia-Europe Meeting in Vientiane at the end of next year.
Dr Thongloun also met with the third president of the Austrian Lower House and Deputy Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. He also visited a hydropower project.
Dr Thongloun will next visit Hungary to attend the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Budapest. His tour is scheduled to end on June 9.
