Bangladesh, Laos sign MoU to launch FOC

In a move to further enhance bilateral ties, Bangladesh and Laos on Wednesday (August 6) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC).

The MoU was signed at the Bangladesh Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam marking the first formal agreement between the two nations to institutionalize structured diplomatic dialogue.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Vietnam Md Lutfor Rahman and Laos Ambassador to Vietnam Ernthavanh inked the deal on behalf of their respective sides.

Describing the signing as a diplomatic milestone, Ambassador Rahman said the agreement would serve as a foundation for a forward-looking partnership through regular diplomatic consultations in all areas of mutual interest.

"This MoU is not just a diplomatic formality, it lays the groundwork for an enduring partnership between Bangladesh and Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR)," he said.

The Ambassador also reiterated Bangladesh's aspiration to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN and expressed hope that the MoU would contribute to regional and multilateral cooperation through platforms such as ASEAN and the United Nations.

Ambassador Ernthavanh lauded the Bangladesh Embassy's efforts in Hanoi for its role in facilitating the agreement and described Bangladesh as a close and trusted friend of Lao PDR.

She said the MoU would institutionalize a framework for regular high-level consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries.

"This will serve as a vital platform for dialogue on political, economic, and cultural matters, as well as for exchanging views on regional and global issues," she added.

Bangladesh and Laos established diplomatic relations in 1988.

As a concurrently accredited mission, the Bangladesh Embassy in Vietnam is responsible for managing and advancing bilateral relations with Laos.