Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and Lao Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay, (Photo by OVP MPRD)

MANDALUYONG CITY, 07 March 2023 – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte received the Ambassador of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay, in a courtesy call today at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Central Office in Mandaluyong City.

During the call, Ambassador Vannaxay discussed several topics of concern, focusing on education and the healthcare sector. The Lao Ambassador emphasized the need to strengthen and deepen cooperation on education between the Philippines and Lao and noted the contribution of the Philippines to the education and human resource development of Laos.

Ambassador Vannaxay also expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome of the Vice President to the Lao delegation during the 52nd Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Council Conference (SEAMEC) last month.

(L-R) Second Secretary Ms. Salmong Thammanolath, Lao Embassy, Mrs. Bouavone Souksavanh, spouse of Lao Ambassador, H.E. Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay, and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte (Photo by OVP MPRD)

During the call, the Lao Ambassador expressed his warm wishes of good health and success to the Vice President and all the Filipino women in celebration of International Women’s Day on 08 March 2023. The Vice President thanked Ambassador Vannaxay and likewise wished the same for the women of Laos.

Vice President Duterte also extended the support of the Philippines to Laos as the latter takes over the ASEAN Chairmanship next year.

The Philippines and Laos are celebrating 68 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.