Pakistan and Lao on Thursday agreed to enhance co-operation in economy, trade and business relations besides agreeing to have more high-level ministerial exchanges.
The decisions, came at a meeting between Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and the President of Lao Khamtay Siphandone here at the Presidential Palace - Ho Kham.
The meeting took into account various aspects of the co-operative relations between the two countries.
Lao evinced keen interest in acquiring cement plants and other industrial machinery from Pakistan, Information Minister Sheikh Rashid told newsmen after the meeting.
He said the Lao President again assured his country's support to Pakistan in joining the Asean's regional forum.
He said the Asean members have already agreed to lift the moratorium on new memberships and will, along with other members, support Pakistan's inclusion.
He expressed the hope that Pakistan's joining of the forum will have a positive impact.
Laos joined Asean's fold in 1997 and will assume its presidentship next year.
The minister said the two sides discussed exchange of ministerial level delegations to explore new avenues.
Pakistan has already offered scholarships to the Lao government to train its diplomats by the Foreign Service Academy. Besides, the two sides also agreed for greater exchanges in cultural and media affairs.
Prime Minister Jamali invited the Lao President to visit Pakistan. Prime Minister said he had already invited the Prime Minister of Lao and his Minister for Industries to visit Pakistan and hoped these would help further consolidate the ties between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Information Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Petroleum Ch. Nouraiz Shakoor, Minister for Investment Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Rai Mohammad Aslam Khan Kharal, Parliamentary Secretary for Industries, Foreign Secretary Riaz H Khokhar, Ambassador of Pakistan Mir Hussain Baksh Bangulzai, Secretary Interior Tasneem Noorani and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali is on a three-day visit to Laos on the first leg of a four nation tour of the South East Asian countries, aimed at boosting co-operation and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
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