Australia and Laos celebrate significant milestone - 60 years of diplomatic relations

13 December 2012

In December 2012, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with support from the Australian Embassy, issued a book explaining the history of Lao-Australian relations, coinciding with the conclusion of the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between Australia and Lao PDR in 2012. This is the longest unbroken diplomatic relationship between Laos and another country at ambassador level of any country.

A number of other events were arranged during the year to mark this significant milestone, beginning with a visit to Laos by Australian a capella singing group, The Idea of North, in January. While in town the group also filmed a television segment for broadcast on Lao television.

A book and song to commemorate the occasion were released in January 2012. The pictorial book entitled “Laos and Australia – Celebrating 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations” showcases the history of the 60-year bilateral relationship. The song sung by Lao artist and Australian alumni, Mr Volachit Intharaphithak, is entitled “Friends Forever” and pays tribute to the long-lasting friendship between the two countries.

Celebrations continued throughout the second half of the year with the Embassy hosting in conjunction with the Australia-New Zealand Business Association (ANZBA) and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), a Lao-Australia Business Forum in October 2012. The forum was a great opportunity for Lao and Australian business communities to exchange views and information on the current business operating environment in Laos and discuss ways to increase trade and investment ties.

In November 2012 the Australian Embassies in Vientiane and Bangkok in cooperation with Lao and Thai authorities organised a 5 km fun run in celebration of the 60th anniversaries of Australia’s diplomatic relations with Thailand and Laos. Over 3000 people participated in the event running across the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. Constructed with funding from the Australian Government in 1994, the bridge was the first major bridge across the lower Mekong and is a symbol of the strong relationship between Australia, Thailand and Laos.

The highlight of the year was a visit to Laos by the Australian Prime Minister the Honourable Julia Gillard, to attend the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting in November 2012. Other high level visits in both directions took place throughout the anniversary year, including visits to Australia by Laos’ President of the National Assembly, HE Madame Pany Yathothou, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr Thongloun Sisoulith, and the Ministers for Education and Sports, Health and Planning and Investment.

Two Australian Parliamentary Delegations also visited Laos, including a senior delegation to the 7th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP-7) in October 2012.