22 April 2006 - His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and HE Somsavat Lengsavad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic co-chaired the inaugural Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Lao People's Democratic Republic at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan.

His Royal Highness and His Excellency discussed matters of bilateral interest and ways of enhancing various cooperation between the two countries.

Later, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah hosted a luncheon at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan for His Excellency and Madam Bounkongmany Lengsavad.

Also present at the luncheon were HRH Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.

In the afternoon, His Royal Highness and His Excellency signed the “Agreed Minutes of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic”.

His Royal Highness and His Excellency later signed the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (and on Capital).

The Agreement will enhance economic cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.