FVR welcomes Laotian Prime Minister Philippines News Agency MANILA, Dec. 18 (PNA) -- President Fidel V. Ramos today officially welcomed in Malacanang Laotian Prime Minister Khamtay Siphandone who is on a two - day official visit to the Philippines on the invitation of the President. The Prime Minister, with wife Madame Thongvanh Siphandone, arrived at the grounds of Malacanang's New Executive -Building at exactly 9:03 a.m. Following the arrival honors, the Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on the President. The two First Ladies, also had a separate meeting in a Palace function room where they exchange views about the environment, women's role in national societies and livelihood training for the disadvantaged. The President and the Prime Minister also witnessed the signing of agreements on economic and technical cooperation and agriculture and forestry. After the signing, the Prime Minister left Malacanang Palace for Rizal Park for the traditional wreath - laying ceremonies at the monument of National Hero Jose Rizal. The Laotian Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit the International Rice Research Institute at 1:30 p.m. in Los Banos, Laguna. Madame Thongvanh, meanwhile, will visit the Smokey Mountain Livelihood Training Center in Vitas, Tondo, Manila, a project of Mrs. Ramos under her Helping Foundation. At 7:55 p.m. Prime Minister Khamtay and his delegation return to the Palace from their official residence at the Manila Hotel for the state dinner hosted in their honor by the President and the First lady. FVR reaffirms close ties between RP & Laos Philippines News Agency MANILA, Dec. 19 (PNA) -- President Fidel V. Ramos today reaffirmed the government's friendly and economic ties with the Lao People's Democratic Republic, stressing that the Philippines and Laos "are neighbors sharing many things together." Speaking at a State Dinner he and First Lady Amelita M. Ramos hosted in honor of visiting Prime Minister Khamtay Siphandone of the Lao People's Democratic Republic at Malacanang's Ceremonial Hall, the Chief Executive said that for a time, contact and exchange between the peoples of the two countries were disrupted by conflict in the region. However, the President said that in truth, friendly relations between Laos and the Philippines "date back many, many years." The President recalled that there was a time, for instance, when hundreds of Filipino doctors and nurses "served in Laos under the banner of "Operation Brotherhood" (O.B.). "And much farther back in time, we know of the close contact and exchanges that linked the land of Indochina to our archipelago." This is why, he said, the Ramos government "steadfastly supported the plan for the membership of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and why we rejoiced when it was recently admitted as a full member." The President noted that during the summit of ASEAN heads of state and/or government in Kuala Lumpur a few days ago, it was truly stirring to see Prime Minister Khamtay and the Lao government involved in the deliberations of the Southeast Asia community of nations. "It was a pleasure to renew in Kuala Lumpur our commitment -- along with the other older members of ASEAN -- to hasten in every possible way the integration of Laos into ASEAN affairs and the regional economy," the President said. During their bilateral talks, the President said the two countries raised their relations to a higher level since he made a state visit to Laos last October. The President described the visit of Prime Minister Khamtay as "truly a milestone in our relations that attests to our common desire to expand, intensify, and strengthen ties between our peoples and governments." He cited the five important agreements that were signed between the Philippines and Laos in Vientianne in October on public health, malaria control, culture, fighting drug trafficking, and waiver of visa requirements. "Your present visit to the Philippines, Mr.Prime Minister, continues the process we started in Vientianne," the President said. Earlier yesterday afternoon, the two leaders had a "good discussion on developments -- domestic, regional, and global -- affecting two countries." The two countries signed important new agreements on economic and technical cooperation, and on agriculture and forestry, the President said. "In forging all these agreements over the past two months, Laos and the Philippines have a common abiding purpose -- that is to lay the basis for more vigorous interaction between our peoples and will contribute to the growth of our countries and our region," the President said. He pointed out that the country's economy and the economy of Laos and its immediate neighbors show many complementary characteristics. "In my view, it is time to contemplate seriously the emergence of a growth area in this part of Southeast Asia -- a growth polygon involving Laos and the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. We only have to remove barriers and do some creative packaging for this proposed growth polygon to become a vibrant reality," the President said. The President stressed that the economic fundamentals of the region remain strong, and given the capacity of "our countries to face up to any challenge, many observers believe the region will soon recover the spectacular growth it showed in recent years." After his speech, the President offered a toast to the Laotian Prime Minister for the continued good health of his Excellency President Nouhak Phoumsavanh, the success and happiness of Prime Minister Khamtay and Madame Thongvanh Siphandone, the prosperity of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the enduring friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Laos.