Laos Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh is arriving in Manila tonight (Thursday, June 7) for a three-day official visit which aims to further strengthen bilateral ties with the Philippines in the fields of economy, trade, culture, tourism and politics

Vice President Noli de Castro will welcome Bouphavanh at around 7:30 p.m. at the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

It is the first official visit of Bouphavanh to the Philippines since being elected prime minister in June 2006.

Bouphavanh first visited the country when he attended the 12^th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit held in Cebu last January.

Bouphavanh will be received by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tomorrow afternoon (Friday, June 8) in Malacaņang, where they will hold their expanded bilateral meeting.

The two leaders are also scheduled to witness the signing of a bilateral agreement on the promotion and protection of investments between Laos and the Philippines.

Born on June 3, 1954 in Ban Tao Poun, Muang Salavan, Salavan Province, Bouphavanh was officially elected Prime Minister of Laos by the National Assembly during a major government reshuffle on June 8, 2006.

He replaced Bounnhang Vorachith, who became vice president.

Bouphavanh had previously served as first deputy prime minister since Oct. 3, 2003. Prior to this, he was third deputy prime minister and was president of the State Planning Committee.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh witnessed today the signing of an agreement on the promotion and protection of investments to create favorable conditions for investments by nationals of both countries based on sovereign equality and mutual benefit.

The signing ceremony took place early this evening at Malacaņang’s Reception Hall following the expanded bilateral meeting of the two leaders.

Signing the agreement were Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila for the Philippines and Soulivong Daravong, president of the Planning and Investment Committee of Lao PDR.

The bilateral agreement, a milestone in the more than 50 years of friendly relations between the Philippines and Laos, provides for conditions conducive to investments, and accords fair and equitable treatment of nationals of both countries in the field of investment.

The agreement also contains provisions on expropriation, compensation for losses, fund transfers, subrogation, and dispute settlement, among others.

At the start of their expanded bilateral meeting, the President said Prime Minister Bouasone’s visit here would advance bilateral relations and promote shared interests "in terms of social justice, economic development, and common security."

"Your Excellency’s visit will surely advance our bilateral relations," the President said.

Prime Minister Bouasone, who is in Manila on a three-day official trip, arrived at 5 p.m. in Malacaņang and was accorded arrival honors as a visiting head of state.