PHOTO RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

20 June 2025, Canberra - Ambassador Antonio A. Morales welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), H.E. Chatoulong Bouasisavath, during a courtesy introductory call at the Philippine Embassy in Canberra on 18 June 2025.

Ambassador Morales reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and to advancing shared priorities within the ASEAN framework. He extended his congratulations to H.E. Bouasisavath, former Director-General for ASEAN of Lao PDR, on the successful Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024, as well as Lao PDR’s effective role as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Australia relations from 2021 to 2024.

Ambassador Morales also underscored the Philippines’ ongoing preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, noting that peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change will be key areas of focus.

The meeting served as a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the warm and enduring friendship between the Philippines and Lao PDR, and to identify avenues for deeper cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia. -END