Korea and Laos to Jointly Tackle Transnational Crime... Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties Signed

Korea-Laos Summit Held on the 15th
MOU on Employment Permit System Manpower Dispatch Also Signed

Minister of Labor Kim Younghoon and Phosai Sainyasone, Minister of Labor, Social Welfare and Veterans of Laos, signed a memorandum of understanding on the dispatch of workers under the Employment Permit System on the 15th at the Yongsan Presidential Office, in the presence of President Lee Jae-myung and Thongloun Sisoulith, President of Laos. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Thongloun Sisoulith, President of Laos, on the 15th and agreed to conclude treaties to strengthen cooperation in responding to international crime.

On this day, President Lee met with President Thongloun at the Yongsan Presidential Office for a small-group meeting followed by an expanded summit. Subsequently, in the presence of both leaders, signing ceremonies were held for a mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters and an extradition treaty. On the Korean side, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun signed the treaties, while on the Lao side, Prosecutor General Saysana Khotphouthone was the signatory. The conclusion of these treaties is a measure to address transnational crimes, including online scams and credit fraud, which have been occurring primarily in Southeast Asia.

In addition, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the dispatch of manpower under the Employment Permit System was renewed and signed. The signatories were Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon and Minister of Labor, Social Welfare and Veterans of Laos Phosai Sainyasone.

Earlier, during the expanded summit, President Lee stated, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and we have agreed to elevate our bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership."

This visit to Korea was made at the invitation of President Lee, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Kang Yoo-jung, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, explained, "This summit will further solidify cooperation in various fields and serve as an opportunity to drive the development of bilateral relations."