Azerbaijan and Laos Sign Agreements to Boost Economic Ties

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan hosted President Thongloun Sisoulith of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Baku on October 13. The visit began with an official welcome ceremony featuring a guard of honor and military march before the two leaders met to discuss bilateral relations.

The leaders issued a joint press statement announcing the signing of several agreements, including a Joint Declaration, to formalize their commitment to developing ties. Aliyev announced that Baku will host an Azerbaijan–Laos business forum to intensify cooperation in trade and the economic sphere. Sisoulith called for the expansion of tourism and cultural exchanges, while specifically requesting increased Azerbaijani investment in the Lao economy.

During the meetings, Sisoulith praised the rapid development of Azerbaijan, noting that he hardly recognized the country during his first visit to Baku in 44 years. He remarked that while the nation has grown significantly, the Azerbaijani people have maintained their traditional friendliness and hospitality.