The Philippines and Laos conveyed eagerness to deepen cooperation in trade, defense and security, and economic relations in their third high-level talks held in Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane reaffirmed this commitment during the 3rd Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) earlier in the day.

The DFA said both sides discussed a wide range of collaborative areas anchored on the vision for a “stronger, more resilient, and forward-looking Southeast Asian region.”

“Central to their dialogue was the mutual goal of boosting trade and economic ties while jointly addressing pressing regional security challenges,” it said.

“As a long-standing development partner of Lao PDR, the Philippines reiterated its commitment to support the country’s national development priorities,” it added.

Manila conveyed readiness to continue engagements on human resource development, promotion of gender equality and women empowerment, and the enhancement of trade and investment relations.

Vientiane, meanwhile, pledged closer collaboration on combating transnational crimes and addressing the alarming rise in human trafficking across the region.

The agenda of the meeting also included discussions on cooperation in energy, agriculture, information and communications technology, and education.

The meeting concluded with the launching of a commemorative logo marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Laos, which was established on Jan. 14, 1955. (PNA)