PM meets Laos counterpart, holds talks on ways to strengthen ties

The two leaders noted that the ongoing restoration and conservation of Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the assistance by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) imparts a special dimension to bilateral ties, it said.

They expressed satisfaction over the close cooperation between the countries in regional and multilateral fora.

Following the talks, agreements in fields of defence, broadcasting, Customs cooperation, and three Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation were also exchanged in the presence of the two leaders. The projects pertain to preservation of the Lao Ramayana, restoration of Wat Pakea Buddhist temple with murals related to Ramayana, and support to shadow puppetry theatre on Ramayana in Champasak province.

Modi also held a meeting with Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, during which they discussed ties and regional and global issues of mutual interest, the MEA said.