Bishkek: President Thongloun Sisoulith led a Lao delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, from August 31 to September 1, marking Laos' first participation as an official SCO Dialogue Partner.

According to Lao News Agency, the meeting was held under the theme 'The United Nations as a Key Element of a Fair World Order: The Contribution of the SCO Plus States to the Formation of a Multipolar World.' It brought together leaders and representatives of SCO member states, dialogue partners, and observer states.

During the meeting, President Thongloun reaffirmed Laos' support for multilateralism and highlighted the central role of the United Nations in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. He expressed enthusiasm for Laos' new dialogue partnership with the SCO and pledged constructive participation in regional cooperation efforts.

Laos introduced four key areas for collaboration: agriculture and food security; digital transformation; transport, connectivity, and integration; and banking and financial cooperation. These priority areas aim to strengthen regional ties and foster mutual growth.

In addition to the main event, President Thongloun engaged in bilateral discussions with leaders from Kyrgyzstan and Belarus, as well as the SCO Secretary-General, to explore future cooperation opportunities.