'Landlocked' Laos and 'sea-locked' Singapore can work on 'win-win' projects: PM Wong

VIENTIANE - Laos is landlocked, and Singapore is "sea-locked".

These geographical constraints mean both countries have a shared interest in remaining connected to the region and the rest of the world, and staying resilient in an increasingly volatile world, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.

"Together, we can turn our limitations into strengths, by embarking on win-win projects that benefit both our peoples," he said at a dinner hosted by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Oct 11 in Vientiane.

Earlier in the afternoon, both leaders discussed bilateral ties and took stock of the progress made in areas of co-operation such as green energy and people-to-people ties.

This is the 50th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

PM Wong arrived in the Lao capital earlier this week to attend the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and related meetings, which Laos chairs this year.

His visit is the latest in a series of high-level ministerial visits to Laos, with ties growing between the nations since diplomatic relations were established in 1974.

In July 2024, Dr Sonexay visited Singapore, where both sides signed an agreement to collaborate on carbon credits and a pact to enhance education and student exchange opportunities.

Speaking during the dinner in Vientiane, Dr Sonexay noted the mutual interests both countries have in the areas of clean energy co-operation and human resources development.

He also reaffirmed their close working relationship, adding that he was looking forward to further "political co-operation and diversifying economic collaborations to ensure concrete and tangible outcomes".

In 2022, Singapore started importing renewable hydropower energy from Laos - one of Asia's largest exporters of