U.S. Ambassador to Laos Peter Haymond hosted a reception party to mark the 247th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America in Vientiane on Jun 8.
The event was joined by Minister of Health Bounfeng Phommalaysith, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bounleua Phandanouvong, foreign diplomats and relevant officials of Laos and USA.
Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Peter Haymond stated that the USA is happy to assist the Lao government and the Lao people with that economic recovery, as well as to help prepare for the Lao PDR’s ASEAN presidency in 2024.
“We are proud to be working with the Lao government in health, education, nutrition, and school feeding; to improve business environment and help farmers raise incomes; to build capacity of universities and provincial councils; to improve English language ability and preserve cultural treasures; to increase border security and fight trafficking of drugs and humans and wildlife; to strengthen the rule of law and prepare for possible natural disasters; and, of course, to clear the unexploded ordnance remaining in many provinces. This is all part of the Lao-U.S. Comprehensive Partnership agreed to by then-President Obama and then-President Bounnhang in 2016,” said Ambassador.
“All these activities are aimed at helping the Lao PDR achieve its development objectives. We carry them out with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant Lao ministries, as well as with international organizations and local CSO partners,” said Ambassador
“It has been the greatest honour and highlight of my diplomatic career to represent the United States as ambassador in the Lao PDR. The diplomatic life is a life of change. What will not change, however, is the United States of America’s commitment to support Laos’ long-term development and success, now and in future,” Ambassador added.
Source: Lao News Agency