Moon says Laos key partner in 'New Southern Policy'

SINGAPORE, Nov. 14 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in said Wednesday that Laos is a key partner in his policy to strengthen relations with Southeast Asian nations as he held summit talks with Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.

During the meeting on the sidelines of the annual ASEAN summits in Singapore, Sisoulith expressed thanks for South Korea's support for the country in the wake of a dam collapse in July that killed 40 people, injured 66 and left about 6,000 homeless.

South Korea's SK Engineering & Construction was a partner in the dam construction project.

Moon noted that relations between South Korea and Laos have moved steadily forward in various areas and expressed hope for further solidifying ties, officials said. Moon also said Laos is a key partner of his "New Southern Policy."

Moon said that the number of South Koreans visiting Laos rose to about 170,000 last year and that such brisk people-to-people exchanges mean that the two countries have close relations.

Sisoulith asked for continued development cooperation from South Korea.

He also invited Moon to visit Laos at an early date, and Moon also invited Sisoulith to visit South Korea, officials said.

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