Lao President Gifts Putin Two Elephants to Mark 65 Years of Ties

President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a pair of elephants as a symbolic gift marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Russia. The gesture was made during their formal meeting at the Kremlin, as broadcast by RBK. A Gift from the Lao Government and People “On this occasion—the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries—the Lao government and the Lao people would like to present you, or the Russian Federation, with a pair of elephants,” Sisoulith stated during the bilateral talks. “They’ll come in handy—thank you,” President Putin replied with a smile. Deepening Diplomatic and Economic Ties According to a statement on the Kremlin’s official website, Putin described Sisoulith as a close friend of Russia. The Russian president noted that bilateral trade between the two countries grew by nearly 20% in the first five months of 2025. He also reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to increase the quota for Lao students pursuing higher education in Russia.