28 August 2023
Deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships was the focus of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) 2023 visit to Laos last week.
The Laos program kicked off with the arrival of C-130J Hercules delivering a load of humanitarian aid to build capacity for future disaster response.
Other engagement activities included international humanitarian law and gender, peace and security seminars; English teacher training; and the establishment of a malaria research laboratory.
Director Operational Health Brigadier Isaac Seidl said the Indo Pacific Endeavour engagement activities further strengthened the longstanding relationship with Laos.
“Our two countries share more than 23 years of defence cooperation,” Brigadier Seidl said.
“Australia has deepened its defence engagement with Laos in recent years, including appointing a resident defence attaché, signing a Secretary-level memorandum of understanding, including Laos in IPE programs and holding inaugural defence senior officials’ talks.
“We are committed to working with Laos in support of a stable, peaceful, prosperous region.
“Our defence relationship with Laos is based on our interest in enhancing regional stability by supporting Laos’s positive participation in regional security architecture.”
Brigadier Seidl commended the Indo-Pacific Endeavour Australian contingent, who worked collaboratively with their Laos counterparts during the four-day engagement.
“It’s been a busy few days. I pay tribute to the professionalism of the members of the ADF who delivered key engagement activities here in Laos,” he said.
“I would also like to acknowledge to spirit of co-operation from our Laos friends who actively participated in the workshops and seminars- indeed the learnings were two-way.”
Conducted since 2017, Indo-Pacific Endeavour directly supports the Government’s commitment in the Defence Strategic Review 2023 to invest in our regional partnerships, and work with our partners to contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific.
