It’s not every day that you see diplomacy play out with elephants, but that’s exactly what happened when the President of Laos visited Moscow.
In a gesture both symbolic and deeply cultural, Laos presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with two elephants to celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
A Majestic Gift from Laos to Russia
During a formal meeting at the Kremlin, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith announced the gift on behalf of both his government and the people of Laos.
“To honour our long-standing friendship, we would like to present a pair of elephants to the Russian Federation,” he told Putin.
Putin, clearly amused and appreciative, smiled and responded, “They’ll come in handy—thank you.”
The lighthearted exchange highlighted the warmth between the two leaders.
Strengthening Economic and Educational Partnerships
According to a release on the Kremlin’s official website, Putin referred to Sisoulith as a “close friend of Russia.”
He shared that trade between the two nations has grown by almost 20% in just the first five months of 2025—an encouraging sign of deepening economic ties.
Putin also made it clear that Russia is open to expanding its educational support for Laos, expressing readiness to increase the number of Lao students accepted into Russian universities.
An Invitation to Forge Closer Ties in the East
Putin took the opportunity to invite President Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to the upcoming Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), set to take place in Russia’s Far East this September.
The EEF has become an increasingly important platform for Russia to foster stronger economic and political relationships across Asia-Pacific nations—and Laos appears to be a key part of that vision.
What Happened at the Kremlin Meeting
According to Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s official spokesperson, the agenda included more than symbolic gestures.
The two leaders exchanged official documents and made joint public statements.
Delegations from both sides also joined in for extended discussions aimed at mapping out future cooperation.
“This is the Kremlin leg of the official visit by President Sisoulith.
The leaders will first have a one-on-one talk, then proceed to expanded negotiations involving their respective teams,” Peskov confirmed.
A History of Growing Engagement
This isn’t Putin’s first interaction with top Lao officials. In fact, his connection with the Laotian leadership has grown steadily in recent years.
In September 2023, he met with Lao Vice President Pany Yathotou during that year’s EEF.
Just a month later, Putin and Sisoulith crossed paths again in Beijing at an international summit.
These repeated meetings show a consistent diplomatic rhythm—one that’s being reinforced not just with signed agreements, but also with heartfelt cultural gestures like the gifting of elephants.