Hanoi, 06 August 2025: In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, Bangladesh and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Hanoi, Vietnam. Bangladesh Ambassador to Vietnam Md Lutfor Rahman signed the MOU on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh. On the other hand, Lao PDR Ambassador to Vietnam Ms Khamphao Ernthavanh signed the MOU on behalf of the Government of Lao PDR. Describing it as a historic milestone, in his address, Ambassador Md. Lutfor Rahman said that this MOU on Foreign Office Consultations will pave the way to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries through regular diplomatic consultations on all possible areas of mutual cooperation. ‘This signing, therefore, is not just about diplomatic formalities—it is about laying the foundation of a forward-looking partnership between Bangladesh and Lao PDR in the days to come’-Ambassador Rahman added. Reiterating Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Ambassador Rahman expressed the hope that this MoU will not only strengthen the bilateral bonding but also support the shared regional and multilateral goals including closer collaboration within frameworks such as ASEAN and the UN. Mentioning Bangladesh as a close friend of Lao PDR, H.E. Ms. Khamphao Ernthavanh, Ambassador of Lao PDR to Vietnam, expressed sincere appreciation to the Embassy of Bangladesh in Vietnam for its dedicated efforts in bringing this historic agreement to reality. Highlighting the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, Ambassador Ernthavanh stated that the signing of this MOU today institutionalizes a framework for regular high-level consultations between the foreign ministries of two countries, paving the way for enhanced dialogue on political, economic, and cultural matters. It will serve as a vital platform to exchange views on regional and global issues, explore new avenues for collaboration, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our people. Mentionable that Bangladesh and Lao PDR established diplomatic relations in 1988. This MoU is the first formal agreement between the two nations to institutionalize structured diplomatic dialogue. As a concurrently accredited mission, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Vietnam is entrusted with overseeing and advancing Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations with Lao PDR.