By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun met with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane on October 27, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.

The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations, countering online scams, and other issues of mutual interest, including Korean Peninsula issues.

The two ministers congratulated South Korea and Laos on the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic ties and agreed to actively pursue cooperation in future industries, including the establishment of key mineral supply chains, digital transformation, and infrastructure projects, in addition to existing cooperation in trade and investment.

Furthermore, the two ministers agreed to closely cooperate to combat transnational crimes, including online scams. Minister Cho recalled the Korean president's proposal at the Korea-ASEAN Summit on October 27, highlighting the need for close regional cooperation to combat transnational crimes such as scams, and proposed active cooperation with Laos at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Minister Thongsavanh responded, stating that the Laotian government takes this issue very seriously, appreciates the Korean proposal, and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with Korea in the future.

Minister Cho noted that the friendship between the two peoples and the cooperation between their companies are key driving forces behind the development of bilateral relations.

He urged the Laotian government to provide special attention and support to smoothly resolve the difficulties faced by Korean expatriates and companies operating in Laos.

Minister Thongsavanh acknowledged the contributions of Korean companies to Laos' economic development and pledged to actively consider the issues raised by Minister Cho.

The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including those related to the Korean Peninsula. Minister Cho stated that the Seoul government will pursue peace building on the Korean Peninsula and substantive progress on the North Korean nuclear issue in line with its pragmatic diplomatic approach, and requested Laos' interest and support.