Vientiane, 26 February 2021 – The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) announced on 26^th February that having conducted the triennial review of all Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Lao PDR has been recommended for graduation with an extended 5-year preparatory period effectively setting the graduation to 2026 assuming a positive and continued trajection throughout the time period leading up to graduation.

H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, expressed “Graduation from LDC status with quality has been a long-term objective of the Government of Lao PDR since 2000. Throughout the years, the Government has emphasized its strong commitment and consistently made significant progress in implementing National Socio-economic Development Plans (NSEDP). However, graduation is not an end in itself and does not imply that no poverty remains. It, somehow, indicates the hard-earned achievements by the Government in many priority areas. Therefore, the result of the review by the CDP paves the way forward for a smooth preparatory period before Lao PDR will be officially removed from the list of LDCs”. He also added that “Taking into account the current circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic, the concerns persist since the data for this review did not fully cover the impacts by the pandemic. Against this backdrop, continued support and assistance from the international community is as much necessary as before the review, especially in the crucial transition period”

Mr. President,

At the outset, on behalf of the Delegation of the Lao PDR, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, on your election as President of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I am confident that with your extensive and rich diplomatic experience, you will be able to lead the deliberation of this UNGA Session under the theme “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism”, which is most relevant to the current situation of the international environment, to a great success. Our delegation is ready to extend full support and cooperation to you in the discharge of your noble duties. Let me also commend your predecessor, H.E. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, for his successful presidency of the 74th Session of the UNGA, amid the advert impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ongoing work of the UN.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Lao people’s Democratic Republic, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the United Nations during this meaningful event to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations, which was founded based on the aspiration of all mankind, aspiring for peaceful co-existence, cooperation and mutual assistance to make this world a better place of peace, stability and prosperity.