Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith meets Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Kyrgyzstan, on September 1 on the sidelines of the SCO Plus Summit. (Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The bilateral pact was solidified after President Thongloun Sisoulith’s meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko on September 1, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus (SCO Plus) Summit. President Thongloun specifically thanked Belarus for supporting Laos’ accession as a Dialogue Partner in the SCO.
Both leaders assessed frameworks aiming to advance the implementation of approved areas of cooperation. Economic matters took priority, alongside the exploration of trade and investment opportunities, as well as discussions on banking and finance. Notably, Laos proposed cooperation with Belarus in mineral mining, particularly gold mining.
“We can cooperate in mineral mining, including gold mining,” President Thongloun emphasised. “We can jointly build a gold processing plant. We already have such facilities, but we can build another one. We are very keen to cooperate with you in this area,” he added.
Partnerships in education, culture, tourism and public health areas are also being pursued, intending to deliver prosperous added value for the people of both countries.
The long-standing Belarusian President expressed his commitment to nurturing the two nations’ long-established friendship. Reportedly, he invited President Thongloun for an official visit to Belarus.
What does this mean for business?
This development signals a highly targeted expansion of industrial and financial corridors between Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. Because Belarus possesses a robust heavy manufacturing sector, Laos’ focus on mineral and gold extraction aims specifically to draw Belarusian machinery and technical expertise to Lao mining operations. Ultimately, as both nations navigate distinct economic hurdles (namely Belarus dealing with stringent Western sanctions and Laos managing high external debt) this alliance is propelled by strategic necessity rather than standard globalisation.
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