Vientiane, 20 July 2021

            Excellency,

            I have learned with profound sadness over the severe flooding occurred in the North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and other states of Germany since 15 July 2021, causing loss of lives and extensive damages to properties of the people living in the affected areas.

            On behalf of the Government and people of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and on my own behalf, I would like to express my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to you, the government and the people of the Federal Republic of Germany as well as to the bereaved families of the victims.

            I am confident that with your government’s and your own resolute determination, the German people will surely be able to overcome this natural calamity and restore the affected areas to normalcy very soon.

            Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                                                                   (signed)       

                                                                                              Phankham VIPHAVANH

H.E. Dr. Angela MERKEL

Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

Berlin