Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee was on an official visit to Laos to further strengthen cooperation between Hong Kong and Laos.

Lee led a high-level delegation of officials and business leaders to Laos from Sunday to Tuesday.

During talks on Monday with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, the two sides noted that the visit was of great significance in bolstering future cooperation between Hong Kong and Laos.

They exchanged views on pushing relations and cooperation in areas such as economics, trade, investment, finance, banking, education, transportation, health, tourism, and other sectors.

They also noted that the weekly direct flight between Hong Kong and Laos has enabled more people-to-people and business-to-business links.

Lee also paid a courtesy call to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

He thanked his host for the warm hospitality extended to himself and his delegation, and pledged to work with the Lao side to enhance cooperation.

On the same day, the two sides inked 12 pacts to broaden cooperation in education, economics and trade, reciprocal assistance on tariffs, among others.

(Cover: Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee speaks to Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, July 29, 2024. /News.gov.hk)