REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCYEDI IRWAN MAHMUD AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO THE LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC FOR THE 68TH NATIONAL DAY OF MALAYSIA AND

SALUTATIONS

Her Excellency Suanesavanh Vignaket

Minister of Culture and Tourism

His Excellency Maythong Thammavongsa

Distinguished Guests, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Salam Malaysia Madani, Sabaidee, and a very good evening to all of you

1. My wife, Rashidah, and I would like to welcome all our distinguished guests, including dignitaries from the Lao Government, esteemed friends of Malaysia, Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) Alumni and fellow Malaysians living in Laos, to this evening’s reception in celebration of Malaysia’s 68^th National Day, the 62^nd Malaysia Day, and the 92^nd Malaysian Armed Forces Day.

2. Every year on 31^st of August, Malaysians from all walks of life come together to commemorate our nation's independence in 1957, a historic moment that marked the birth of a sovereign, united, and multi-ethnic Malaya. This celebration continues on 16^th of September, as we honour the formation of Malaysia in 1963, with the inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak. On the same day, we also celebrate Malaysian Armed Forces Day, which has been observed since 1933. These significant milestones not only honour our past but also provide a moment for reflection on our journey as a nation.

3. This year, the Malaysian Government has chosen the theme 'Malaysia MADANI, Rakyat Disantuni', which underscores the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its people in line with the MADANI vision of unity and shared prosperity. Guided by the Malaysia MADANI framework introduced by our Prime Minister, we shall continue to advance our nation-building efforts by embracing six core values, namely Sustainability, Care and Compassion, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity, and Trust, as well as our responsibilities as an active and constructive member of ASEAN and the wider international community.  

Distinguished Guests, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025

4. This year, Malaysia is deeply honoured to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship from our esteemed colleagues in Laos, an important responsibility we carry with utmost seriousness and unwavering commitment. Under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Malaysia is working closely with fellow ASEAN Member States and partners to build a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous region that benefits everyone.  

5. During our first Summit in May 2025, all ASEAN Member States adopted the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans, which chart our course for the inclusive and sustainable development of the ASEAN Community over the next twenty years.

6. Recently, our region faced a critical challenge involving a dispute between two ASEAN neighbours. Through Malaysia’s efforts as Chair, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, we facilitated constructive dialogue between the relevant parties. While the matter remains ongoing, we are committed to supporting a peaceful resolution through honest and balanced engagement.

7. Beyond political cooperation, we will continue to expand ASEAN’s economic potential by encouraging greater intra-ASEAN trade, deepening investment ties, and embracing the transformative opportunities of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

8. Thus far, under our Chairmanship, Malaysia has organised more than 350 ASEAN meetings at various levels, across the three main ASEAN Community Pillars. The 47^th ASEAN Summit is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur at the end of October, where we look forward to officially welcoming Timor-Leste as the eleventh member of ASEAN.

Distinguished Guests, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Celebrating 60 Years of Malaysia-Laos Relations in 2026

9. On 25 May 2025, Malaysia hosted the official visit of His Excellency Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Putrajaya. It marked a new milestone in our time-honoured bilateral relations and provided fresh impetus for cooperation. Both Malaysia and Lao Prime Ministers agreed to further expand bilateral relations across various sectors, bringing mutual benefits to the peoples of Malaysia and the Lao PDR.

10. Looking ahead, and in line with our ASEAN Chair’s vision to enhance intra-ASEAN trade, both countries expressed commitment to enhancing logistical cooperation and boosting investments to support sustainable development. We are pleased to note that Malaysia remains one of the top four foreign investors in Laos, as highlighted during the Malaysia-Lao Business Forum hosted by Prime Minister Sonexay in Kuala Lumpur.

11. As we look to the future, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone agreed to commemorate a significant milestone, the 60^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Laos, which will be celebrated on 1 July 2026. We agreed to mark this occasion with a series of joint initiatives and celebrations, reflecting six decades of enduring friendship and cooperation.

Distinguished Guests, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Visit Malaysia Year 2026

12. As we celebrate the long-standing diplomatic ties between our two countries, we must also highlight the vital importance of people-to-people connections. I am pleased to inform that Malaysia will celebrate Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the Year of Medical Tourism 2026 next year. I warmly invite all of you to visit Malaysia for leisure and exploration, as tourism remains a key driver of cultural exchange and economic partnership.  

13. We welcome our friends here, and your families, to experience Malaysia’s rich heritage, natural beauty, advanced infrastructure, and above all, our warm hospitality, exemplified by our slogan “Malaysia Truly Asia.” Whether it’s the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, the serene beaches of Langkawi, or the vibrant food scene in Penang, we promise you a memorable and enriching visit. AirAsia currently operates direct flights between Vientiane and Kuala Lumpur on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, offering a convenient travel option between our two countries.

Distinguished Guests, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

14. In closing, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your presence today and for your continued support in strengthening Malaysia–Lao bilateral relations and the broader sustainable development of our shared ASEAN community. Your presence here reflects the deep bonds of friendship that unite our region. As we look to the future, let us continue to build mutual understanding, trust, and solidarity, values that have shaped our partnership for decades and will guide our shared progress ahead.

15. May I now propose a toast:

To the good health of His Excellency Thongloun Sisoulith (Thong-Lun Si-Su-Lid) President of the Lao PDR and His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, as well as to the prosperity, success and happiness of the peoples of both countries and all our guests who are present here this evening.

Terima kasih, Thank you, Khob Chai Lai Lai.