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Foreign relations of Laos

(Redirected from Laos–South Korea relations)

The foreign relations of Laos, internationally designated by its official name as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, after the takeover by the Pathet Lao in December 1975, were characterized by a hostile posture toward the West, with the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic aligning itself with the Soviet bloc, maintaining close ties with the Soviet Union and depending heavily on the Soviets for most of its foreign assistance. Laos also maintained a "special relationship" with Vietnam and formalized a 1977 treaty of friendship and cooperation that created tensions with China.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union and with Vietnam's decreased ability to provide assistance, Laos has sought to improve relations with its regional neighbors and has emerged from international isolation through improved and expanded relations with other nations, such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Australia, France, Japan, and Sweden. Trade relations with the United States were normalized in 2004. Laos was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 1997 and applied to join the World Trade Organization in 1998. In 2005 it attended the inaugural East Asia Summit.

Membership of international bodies

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Laos is a member of the following international organizations: Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT), ASEAN, ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) Asian Development Bank, Colombo Plan, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Group of 77, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Development Association (IDA), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Labour Organization (ILO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), Intelsat (nonsignatory user), and Interpol.

Laos is also a member of the International Olympic Commission (IOC), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mekong Group, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Pacific Alliance (as observer), Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), United Nations, United Nations Convention on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Universal Postal Union (UPU), World Federation of Trade Unions, World Health Organization (WHO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), World Tourism Organization, World Trade Organization (observer).

Bilateral relations

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List of countries which Laos maintains diplomatic relations with:

CountryDate[1]
1  Thailand19 December 1950
2  France31 January 1951
3  Australia16 January 1952
4  Philippines14 January 1955
5  Japan5 March 1955
6  Myanmar12 July 1955
7  United States10 August 1955
8  United Kingdom5 September 1955
9  India2 February 1956
10  Cambodia15 June 1956
11  Denmark1 November 1956
12  Indonesia30 August 1957
13   Switzerland3 September 1957
14  Germany31 January 1958
15  Turkey20 June 1958
16  Russia7 October 1960
17  China25 April 1961
18  Czech Republic5 September 1962
19  Vietnam5 September 1962
20  Poland8 September 1962
21  Hungary12 September 1962
22  Mongolia12 September 1962
23  Bulgaria14 October 1962
24  Romania25 November 1962
25  Serbia25 November 1962
26  Lebanon15 July 1963
27  Spain20 March 1964
28  Sweden10 October 1964
29  New Zealand15 July 1965
30  Pakistan15 July 1965
31  Sri Lanka20 July 1965
32  Italy7 December 1965
33  Malaysia1 July 1966
34  Iran1967
35  Austria1 September 1967
36  Belgium12 December 1967
37    Nepal20 May 1970
38  Algeria15 May 1973
39  Canada15 June 1974
40  North Korea24 June 1974
41  Cuba4 November 1974
42  Singapore2 December 1974
43  Finland21 January 1975
44  Albania18 June 1975
45  Argentina24 July 1975
46  Iraq[2]2 October 1975
47  Netherlands17 November 1975
48  Libya26 July 1976
49  Yemen26 July 1976
50  EgyptNovember 1976
51  Mexico29 November 1976
52  Benin2 February 1977
53  Mali2 February 1977
54  Tanzania15 May 1978
55  Madagascar27 February 1980
56  Somalia27 February 1980
57  Grenada4 March 1980
58  Mozambique16 April 1980
59  Nicaragua30 May 1980
60  Angola11 July 1980
61  Guinea15 October 1981
62  Afghanistan11 March 1983
63  Zimbabwe14 August 1986
64  Vanuatu18 February 1987
–  Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic3 August 1987
65  Bangladesh1988
66  Colombia30 September 1988
67  Peru27 April 1989
–  State of Palestine15 May 1989
68  Greece15 June 1989
69  Tunisia30 November 1989
70  Papua New Guinea6 April 1990
71  Saudi Arabia29 May 1990
72  Norway12 November 1991
73  Chile6 December 1991
74  Uzbekistan10 September 1992
75  Ukraine17 September 1992
76  Slovakia[3]1 January 1993
77  Brunei27 July 1993
78  Israel6 December 1993
79  Turkmenistan4 February 1994
80  Belarus7 February 1994
81  Lithuania1 September 1994
82  South Africa27 September 1994
83  Estonia29 March 1995
84  Latvia27 April 1995
85  Azerbaijan22 May 1995
86  Portugal31 May 1995
87  Brazil12 June 1995
88  Kyrgyzstan13 July 1995
89  South Korea25 October 1995
90  Croatia4 March 1996
91  North Macedonia6 March 1996
92  Bosnia and Herzegovina7 March 1996
93  Slovenia28 March 1996
94  United Arab Emirates15 October 1996
95  Zambia9 November 1996
96  Morocco30 January 1997
97  Moldova25 May 1997
98  Kazakhstan19 September 1997
99  Tajikistan23 September 1997
100  Luxembourg25 September 1997
101  Armenia21 April 1998
102  Ireland7 August 1998
103  Georgia6 November 1998
104  Nigeria10 June 1999
105  Jamaica27 August 1999
106  Cyprus29 June 2000
107  Mauritius23 May 2002
108  East Timor29 July 2002
109  Bahrain15 December 2002
110  Liechtenstein8 January 2004
111  Iceland[4]2 September 2004
112  Syria22 December 2004
113  Qatar3 February 2005
114  Oman9 March 2005
115  Paraguay28 September 2005
116  Venezuela5 October 2005
117  Sudan14 October 2005
118  Ethiopia9 December 2005
119  Seychelles22 June 2006
120  Niger8 December 2006
121  Andorra8 June 2007
122  Burkina Faso1 August 2007
123  Dominican Republic27 September 2007
124  Guatemala20 February 2008
125  Kuwait14 July 2008
126  Ivory Coast22 July 2008
127  Kenya11 December 2008
128  Rwanda31 August 2009
129  Montenegro3 February 2010
130  Fiji27 August 2010
131  Malta13 January 2011
132  Ecuador12 September 2011
133  Maldives10 February 2012
134  Mauritania19 September 2013
135  Costa Rica28 September 2015
136  Monaco27 November 2015
137  Liberia12 August 2016
138  Saint Kitts and Nevis23 September 2017
139  San Marino17 December 2018
140  Republic of the Congo29 August 2019
141  Ghana27 September 2019
142  Dominica29 July 2021
143  Panama9 September 2021
144  Uganda27 September 2021
145  Burundi4 February 2022
146  Botswana11 December 2023

Diplomatic relations

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CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
 Australia
 Brunei
Main article: Brunei–Laos relations
 Cambodia
Main article: Cambodia–Laos relations
 China
Main article: China–Laos relations

Relations with the People's Republic of China have improved over the years. Although the two were allies during the Vietnam War, the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979 led to a sharp deterioration in Sino-Lao relations. These relations began to improve in the late 1980s. In 1989 Sino-Lao relations were normalized. In 2017 China invested in Laos under its Belt and Road Initiative.[5]

 Cuba
  • Cuba has an embassy in Vientiane.
  • Laos has an embassy in Havana.
 France

Following its occupation of Vietnam, France absorbed Laos into French Indochina via treaties with Siam in 1893 and 1904. During World War II, the Japanese occupied French Indochina. When Japan surrendered, Lao nationalists declared Laos independent, but by early 1946, French troops had reoccupied the country and conferred limited autonomy on Laos. During the First Indochina War, the Indochinese Communist Party formed the Pathet Lao resistance organization committed to Lao independence. Laos gained full independence following the French defeat by the Vietnamese communists and the subsequent Geneva peace conference in 1954.

  • France has an embassy in Vientiane.
  • Laos has an embassy in Paris.
 Germany
Main article: Germany–Laos relations
  • Germany has an embassy in Vientiane.
  • Laos has an embassy in Berlin.
 India
Main article: India—Laos relations
  • India has an embassy in Vientiane.
  • Laos has an embassy in New Delhi.
 Indonesia1957
Main article: Indonesia–Laos relations

Since established diplomatic relations on 1957, both nations enjoys cordial relations. Indonesia supported and welcomed Laos membership to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1997. Laos and Indonesia agreed to enhance relations to focus on exploring the potential of both nations to cooperate on trade and investment. The two nations expressed a desire to reach further agreements relating to security, tourism, sport, air transport and education.[6] Indonesia through bilateral cooperation assist Laos on capacity building and development in various sectors, through scholarships, and trainings for Laos students.[7]

  • Indonesia has an embassy in Vientiane.
  • Laos has an embassy in Jakarta.
 Israel
See also: List of ambassadors of Israel to Laos
 Japan
Main article: Japan–Laos relations
  • Japan has an embassy in Vientiane.
  • Laos has an embassy in Tokyo.
 Malaysia
Main article: Laos–Malaysia relations

During the collapse of the Communist Bloc, the Soviet Union could no longer afford aid for the development of Laos.[8] This made Laos seek aid from other countries to help develop their country and has led the country to adopt a neutral foreign policy.[8] When this policy of neutrality was adopted, relations with Malaysia were established.[8]

  • Laos has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Malaysia has an embassy in Vientiane.
 Mexico1976
  • Laos is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C.[9][10]
  • Mexico is accredited to Laos from its embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.[11]
 Myanmar
Main article: Laos–Myanmar relations
  • Laos has an embassy in Yangon.
  • Myanmar has an embassy in Vientiane.
 Pakistan
Main article: Laos–Pakistan relations
  • Pakistan is accredited to Laos from its embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.
 Philippines
Main article: Laos–Philippines relations

Formal relations between Laos and the Philippines were officially established on 14 January 1955. Relations between the two countries were said to have started during the early period of the Vietnam War. Operation Brotherhood, a joint international venture by Jaycees International, sent 50 volunteer Filipino doctors, agriculturists, and nutritionists to Laos and Vietnam from 1957 to 1964. Laos has an embassy in Manila while the Philippines has an embassy in Vientiane.

Lao Prime Ministers Bounnhang Vorachith, Bouasone Bouphavanh and Thongsing Thammavong made their state visit to the Philippines in 2002, June 2007 and May 2012 respectively. Philippine Presidents Fidel V. Ramos visited Laos in October 1997. Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited Laos in November 2004 for the ASEAN summit and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III visited Laos in November 2012 for the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit.

There are about 730 Filipinos in Laos as of 2013, mostly working as professionals as teachers, nurses, engineers, hotel employees and consultants. Filipinos are often offered lower fares on riding tuktuks compared to other foreigners. Filipinos are one of the biggest contributors to Laos' English programs due to the English fluency possessed by most Filipinos.

  • Laos has an embassy in Manila.
  • Philippines has an embassy in Vientiane.
 Russia
Main article: Laos–Russia relations
 Serbia1962

Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1962.[14]

  • Serbia is accredited to Laos from its embassy in Yangon, Myanmar.
 South Korea
Main article: Laos–South Korea relations
  • Ko-Laoholdings is South Korean company in Laos which is currently the largest private enterprise.[15] and Establishment of Diplomatic Relations : Jun.22, 1974 / Severance - Jul.24, 1975 / Reestablishment - Oct.25, 1995.[16]
  • Laos has an embassy in Seoul.
  • South Korea has an embassy in Vientiane.
 Spain
  • Laos is accredited to Spain from its embassy in Paris, France.
  • Spain is accredited to Laos from its embassy in Bangkok, Thailand.
 Thailand
Main article: Laos–Thailand relations

Thai-Lao relations were strained somewhat in 2006 ahead of the release of the sports comedy Lucky Loser, which Lao diplomats warned might offend Lao people and spark disturbances similar to the 2003 Phnom Penh riots. The film's release was cancelled.

Thailand is Laos' principal means of access to the sea and its primary trading partner. Despite strong economic and cultural ties with Thailand, parts of the border shared by the two countries are indefinite. Within a year of serious border clashes in 1987, Lao and Thai leaders signed a communiqué, signaling their intention to improve relations. Since then, they have made slow but steady progress, notably the construction and opening of the Friendship Bridge between the two countries.

  • Laos has an embassy in Bangkok and a consulate-general in Khon Kaen.
  • Thailand has an embassy in Vientiane and a consulate-general in Savannakhet.
 Turkey1958[17]See Laos–Turkey relations
  • The Embassy of Laos in Vienna is accredited to Turkey.[17]
  • Turkey has an embassy in Vientiane.[17]
  • Trade volume between the two countries was US$2.86 billion in 2018 (Laos' exports/imports: 1.48/1.44 billion USD).[18]
 United Kingdom1955See Foreign relations of the United Kingdom

Laos established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 5 September 1955.[19]

  • Laos maintains an embassy in London.[19]
  • The UK is accredited to Laos through its embassy in Vientiane.[20]

Both countries share common membership of the World Trade Organization.

 United States
Main article: Laos–United States relations

Laos-United States relations officially began when the United States opened a legation in Laos in 1950, when Laos was a semi-autonomous state within French Indochina. These relations were maintained after Laotian independence in 1954.

Between 1964-1973, the United States began bombing Laos in an effort to remove the Pathet Lao from power, despite the fact Laos had been neutral during the Vietnam War. This bombing led to Laos becoming the most bombed country on earth;[21] hence why there have been large efforts to remove unexploded mines and bombs from the country.

The U.S. government provided more than $13.4 million in foreign assistance to Laos in FY 2006, in areas including unexploded ordnance clearance and removal, health and avian influenza, education, economic development, and governance.

In December 2004, George W. Bush signed into law a bill extending normal trade relations to Laos. In February 2005, a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between the two countries entered into force. There has been a consequent rise in Lao exports to the United States, although the volume of trade remains small in absolute terms. Bilateral trade reached $15.7 million in 2006, compared with $8.9 million in 2003. The Lao Government is working to implement the provisions of the BTA and on 2 February 2013 joined the World Trade Organization.

 Vietnam
Main article: Laos–Vietnam relations

Although Vietnam's historical record of leadership over the Pathet Lao during the civil war and its military power and proximity will not cease to exist, Laos struck out ahead of Vietnam with its New Economic Mechanism to introduce market mechanisms into its economy. In so doing, Laos has opened the door to rapprochement with Thailand and China at some expense to its special dependence on Vietnam.[22]

Laos might have reached the same point of normalization in following Vietnam's economic and diplomatic change, but by moving ahead resolutely and responding to Thai and Chinese gestures, Laos has broadened its range of donors, trading partners, and investors independent of Vietnam's attempts to accomplish the same goal. Thus, Vietnam remains in the shadows as a mentor and emergency ally, and the tutelage of Laos has shifted dramatically to development banks and international entrepreneurs.[22]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Diplomatic Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  2. ^ "Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of the 88th Anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Iraq". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos. Archived from the original on 10 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Laos". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia (in Slovak). Archived from the original on 8 July 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  4. ^ "Iceland - Establishment of Diplomatic Relations". Government of Iceland. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  5. ^ "Belt and Road Initiative provides new impetus for China-Laos economic cooperation - Xinhua | English.news.cn".
  6. ^ "Laos, Indonesia to focus relations on trade and investment". laopdr.gov.la. National Portal of Laos PDR. 20 January 2011. Archived from the original on 4 August 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  7. ^ "Current Socio Culture Relations". Embassy of Republic of Indonesia, Vientiane, Laos. Embassy of Indonesia. Archived from the original on 23 September 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  8. ^ a b c Martin Stuart-Fox (28 September 1997). A History of Laos. Cambridge University Press. p. 200. ISBN 978-0-521-59746-3.
  9. ^ "Embassy of Laos in the United States". Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  10. ^ "Relations between Mexico and Thailand and Laos (in Spanish)" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  11. ^ "Embassy of Mexico in Thailand". Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  12. ^ "LAO EMBASSY TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION". Retrieved 21 February 2015.[dead link]
  13. ^ "Главная - Министерство иностранных дел Российской Федерации". Archived from the original on 21 February 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  14. ^ "Laos". Archived from the original on 1 January 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  15. ^ "::: KOLAO Holdings - Opportunity & Beyond :::". Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
  16. ^ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea-Asia Pacific". mofa.go.kr. Archived from the original on 4 September 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  17. ^ a b c "Relations between Turkey and Laos". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 30 December 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  18. ^ "Turkey-Laos Bilateral Economic and Commercial Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
  19. ^ a b "Competition to mark 60 years of UK-Laos diplomatic relations". GOV.UK. 16 February 2015. Archived from the original on 23 July 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  20. ^ "British Embassy Vientiane". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 3 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  21. ^ "Laos | MAG". www.maginternational.org. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  22. ^ a b Brown, MacAlister and Joseph J. Zasloff. "Relations with Vietnam". Laos: a country study Archived 21 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine (Andrea Matles Savada, editor). Library of Congress Federal Research Division (July 1994). This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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