Laos’ top magistrate vows to strengthen RP-Laos ties

Laos Supreme Court Justice Khammy Sayayong has vowed to help in efforts to strengthen bilaterial ties between the Philippines and Laos.

Sayayong made the commitment during his courtesy call on President Arroyo in Malacañang last Thursday.

During the meeting at the Music Room, the President and Sayayong noted the importance of forging stronger bilateral relations between the two countries.

Sayayong is in the country to observe how Philippine courts operate. He is to hold discussions with Filipino legal and judicial experts, including Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., justices of the Court of Appeals, judges of the regional trial courts and officials of other government agencies.

During the call, the President instructed Philippine Ambassador to Laos Antonio Cabangon-Chua, who was also present at the meeting, to actively promote export of Philippine-made products, including jeepneys, to Laos.

The President also ordered Cabangon-Chua to look into possible importation of rice and timber from Laos.

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Cabangon-Chua noted Laos’ need to improve its judicial system and facilitate the inflow of foreign investments into the country.