Manila, May 27 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone have committed to expanding cooperation in key areas including trade, education, defense, and digital innovation, as the Philippines and Laos marked 70 years of diplomatic relations.

In a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the ongoing 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, both leaders expressed their intent to elevate their partnership amid regional efforts for greater connectivity, resilience, and economic growth.

"Bilang paggunita sa 70 taon ng ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Lao PDR, nagkasundo kami ni Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone na lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtutulungan sa kalakalan, edukasyon, at seguridad-at magkaisa para sa ...