BERN- Switzerland and Laos signed a new bilateral air service agreement on July 26, modernizing their 1999 pact. This agreement aligns with the Federal Council’s strategy to enhance Switzerland’s air connectivity.
The new agreement removes restrictions on the number of airlines operating between the two countries and allows codeshare flights. Designated airlines can now operate unlimited direct flights between Switzerland and Laos.
Switzerland and Laos Air Service Agreement
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel signed the agreement in Vientiane, following Federal Council approval on November 22, 2023. The agreement will take effect once both parties complete legal formalities and exchange diplomatic notes.
This pact aims to boost economic benefits for both nations by increasing operational flexibility for airlines. It covers airline ownership, management, and market access provisions.
Switzerland maintains similar agreements with over 150 countries, facilitating international air travel for Swiss-based airlines. These agreements reduce administrative barriers and open markets to participating airlines.
The new Switzerland-Laos agreement exemplifies the ongoing efforts to modernize air service arrangements globally. It reflects the changing needs of the aviation industry and the growing importance of international connectivity in today’s economy.
Key Diplomatic Relations
Switzerland and Laos have maintained diplomatic ties since 1963, fostering a relationship marked by political dialogue and development cooperation. The Swiss embassy in Bangkok oversees diplomatic relations with Laos, supported by a consular agency in Vientiane established in 2020 and an honorary consulate in Luang Prabang opened in 2022.
In 2006, Switzerland strengthened its commitment to Laos by opening a Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) office in Vientiane. This move intensified Switzerland’s development efforts in the Southeast Asian nation, focusing on various sectors to support Laos’ growth and development.
The two countries engage in regular discussions on political matters and development cooperation initiatives. These talks have helped shape Switzerland’s aid programs in Laos and fostered mutual understanding between the nations.
Since 2016, Switzerland has expanded its regional engagement through a sectoral dialogue partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This partnership takes on added significance in 2024 as Laos assumes the ASEAN chairmanship, potentially opening new avenues for Swiss-Laotian cooperation within the broader Southeast Asian context.
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The post Switzerland and Laos Sign New Air Service Agreement After 25 Years appeared first on Aviation A2Z.