“Vientiane Days” Held in Moscow
On February 27, 2025, Moscow hosted “Vientiane Days”. It is a large-scale event aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and Laos. The key highlight of the event was signing of the Cooperation Program between the Government of Moscow and Vientiane City Hall for 2025 -2028. The document was signed by Sergay Cheremyn, the Minister of the Government of Moscow and the Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, and Atsaphangthong Siphandone, Mayor of Vientiane.
The signing of the agreement marks an important step in the development of relations between the capitals, reinforcing cooperation in urban planning, innovation, environmental sustainability, tourism, trade, culture, and IT technologies. During the meeting, both parties discussed the prospects for expanding collaboration, emphasizing the importance of knowledge exchange and joint projects across various sectors.
The “Vientiane Days” program began with an official meeting between Vientiane Governor Atsaphangthong Siphandone and Alexey Shaposhnikov, Chairman of the Moscow City Duma. The discussions focused on municipal governance, socio-economic development, and strengthening business ties. Following the meeting, a formal ceremony was held to sign the Cooperation Program, solidifying the long-term partnership between Moscow and Vientiane.
In the afternoon, the delegation took part in a business cooperation forum held at the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The forum focused on cooperation in trade, IT technologies, industry, tourism, and innovation. During the plenary session, representatives of Moscow and Laotian businesses, as well as international economic cooperation experts, highlighted the significant potential for partnership and the importance of strengthening trade and economic ties.
During the forum, two key agreements were signed: a Memorandum of Understanding between the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Vientiane Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Memorandum of Understanding between the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Laos-Russia Association for Socio-Economic Development. Additionally, a trade exhibition showcased Laotian products, with companies presenting their goods, technologies, and investment projects.
The final event of “Vientiane Days” was a concert by the Laotian folk dance ensemble “The Pianist Vientiane Chamber Orchestra”, held at the Alexander Solzhenitsyn House of Russian Abroad. The performance introduced the audience to traditional Laotian music, dance, and cultural heritage. The dancers’ graceful movements, vibrant national costumes, and the unique sound of traditional instruments created an atmosphere of authentic national color.
“Vientiane Days” in Moscow reaffirmed the high level of bilateral cooperation between Russia and Laos. The signing of new agreements, business discussions, and cultural events contributed to strengthening partnerships, developing economic ties, and facilitating knowledge exchange across various fields. Minister Sergey Cheremin emphasized that Moscow will continue active engagement with partners from Southeast Asia, promoting joint initiatives in transport, IT technologies, and municipal governance.
Both Moscow and Vientiane are committed to further cooperation, creating new opportunities for business, culture, and innovation-driven development.