President Marcos Proposes Direct Flights Between Manila and Vientiane
President Marcos has opened discussions on establishing direct flights between Manila and Vientiane, Laos’ capital and largest city. This proposal emerged during his bilateral meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The introduction of direct flights could significantly enhance connectivity and support stronger ties between the two nations.
Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ goal to deepen relations with Laos across various sectors. “We would like to strengthen all our relations, trade, defense, and security, and even the people-to-people exchange,” he said. He suggested that both countries explore the possibility of direct air links to boost travel and commerce.
Boosting Trade and Cooperation Between the Philippines and Laos
The President acknowledged the significant potential to expand trade between the Philippines and Laos, highlighting Laos’ rapid economic development as a key opportunity. Trade between the two countries has grown substantially, reaching around $13.72 million in 2024, up from approximately $7 million in 2019.
Both leaders identified several areas for increased cooperation, including agriculture, skills training, tourism, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The Lao Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Philippine government’s support in language training and scholarships for Lao ministries.
Furthermore, the Lao leader highlighted existing Filipino investments in clean energy and invited more investments in priority sectors such as advanced technology research, sustainable agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, education, health, and infrastructure.
Progress in Philippine-Vietnam Relations
President Marcos also met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during the summit. They discussed ongoing efforts to elevate the Philippines-Vietnam strategic partnership into a comprehensive strategic partnership. “Our ministers are in discussion on the possibility of elevating the strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. I believe there are already productive conversations between our two countries,” Marcos shared.
The Vietnamese Prime Minister praised the “remarkable progress” in bilateral relations since Marcos’ state visit to Vietnam earlier this year. He expressed hope that the partnership could soon be elevated to a higher level.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the two leaders discussed expanding economic and trade cooperation, strengthening agriculture and food security collaboration, and enhancing cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Philippines-Vietnam strategic partnership, symbolizing a decade of growing cooperation and friendship.
At the start of their meeting, Marcos offered condolences to the Vietnamese leader on the recent passing of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong on May 20, 2025.
For more news and updates on direct flights between Manila and Vientiane, visit Filipinokami.com.