1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Saleumxay Kommasith exchanged celebratory messages to mark the 25th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Lao PDR.

2. In her celebratory message, Minister Kang noted with appreciation that the bilateral relations have advanced rapidly in a number of areas since the re-establishment of diplomatic relations in 1995 and that, in particular, friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries have become stronger through the two summit meetings in 2019.

° Minister Kang added that she finds it meaningful that, despite the new challenge of the recent outbreak of COVID-19, the two countries have worked closely together, including in disease prevention and control as well as exceptional entry for essential personnel. And she suggested that they continue seeking ways for cooperation on COVID-19

3. Likewise, Minister Saleumxay extended a celebratory message on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of the re-establishment of the ROK-Lao PDR diplomatic relations, saying that he is very pleased that over the past 25 years, the friendly relations and good cooperation existing between the two countries as well as the two Foreign Ministries have been continuously strengthened and that he looks forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Kang to further strengthen such good bonds of friendship and close cooperation for mutual benefits of the two nations as well as for peace, stability and cooperation for development in the world at large.