HIGH-LEVEL EXCHANGE VISITS
Exchange visits by various high-level Lao and Australian officials, civil servants, academics, and businesspeople, have also been testimony to the success of bilateral relations
1
Lao Prime Minister HE Mr Khamtay Siphandone visited Australia. This was his first visit to any Western capitalist country, marking an important turning point in Lao PDR’s foreign policy engagement.
2
Australian Prime Minister HE Mr Paul Keating visited Laos to open the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. The bridge was a gift of the Australian people to Lao and Thai people and highlighted the growing profile of Australia’s engagement with Laos and the Mekong region.
3
In July 2004, the then Australia Prime Minister HE John Howard visited Laos to attend the first Laos hosted ASEAN Summit. Australia is ASEAN’s first dialogue partner, and has a long-term commitment to working together with ASEAN member nations on issues of important to our region.
4
Then Vice President of Laos’ National Assembly and current President of Laos’ National Assembly HE Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane visited Australia under a special visit program.
5
The then the Laos’ President of National Assembly HE Mme Pany Yathortou led a high-level Lao member of parliament visit to Australia.
6
Australian Prime Minister HE Ms Julia Gillard visited Laos for the Asia-Europe Meeting in Vientiane Capital. It was the largest international conference ever held in Laos and significantly boosted Laos’ profile on the international stage.
7
Australian Foreign Minister, Bob Carr visited Laos. Minister Carr visited a number of projects being funded by the Australian aid program including observing UXO clearance in Luang Prabang province.
8
Australian Foreign Minister, HE Julie Bishop visited Laos ahead of Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016 and to support the Australia’s development programs in Laos.
9
Australian Prime Minister HE Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Minister Bishop and then Trade Minister visited Laos for the ASEAN-Australia and East Asia Summit.
10
Minister of Planning and Investment and current Deputy Prime Minister of Lao PDR HE Mr Sonexay Siphandone visited Australia under a Special Visit Program.
11
Defence Minister Marise Payne and current Foreign Minister and Minister of Women visited Laos, the first visit ever by an Australian Defence Minister.
12
Lao Foreign Minister HE Mr Saleumxay Kommasith visited Australia as a guest of Australian Government.
13
Then Prime Minister and current President of Lao PDR HE Dr Thongloun Sisoulith visited Australia and attended the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. His visit made the second visit to Australia by a Lao Prime Minister in 25 years.