Belarus, Laos parliaments ink cooperation agreement

        An agreement on cooperation between the parliaments of Belarus and Laos was signed in Minsk as part of the visit of the Laos parliament delegation, BelTA reports. On behalf of Belarus the document was signed by Speaker of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Anatoly Rubinov. On behalf of Laos the document was signed by head of the Laos parliament delegation Pany Yathotou. Anatoly Rubinov remarked that the Belarusian side considers the visit as an important step for bolstering Belarus-Laos cooperation. “Our countries have a lot in common both in domestic politics and with regard to international commitments,” he said. “Belarus believes cooperation with Laos is very important for our politics in Southeastern Asia,” stressed the Speaker. Anatoly Rubinov drew attention to the fact that Belarus-Laos diplomatic relations were established 20 years ago but the visit of the Laos president to Belarus in 2013 was the best impetus to the advancement of Belarus-Laos cooperation. Negotiations between the presidents of Belarus and Laos took place during the visit. Various kinds of agreements were reached.