Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Mr Pham Binh Minh, his spouse, and a delegation paid an official working visit to the Lao PDR on Dec 24-26 to enhance the relations and cooperation between the two nations.

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar hosted the Retreat of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on 19 December 2016 in Yangon.H.E. Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Foreign Minister of the Lao PDR, as Chair of ASEAN presided over this informal Meeting. During the Meeting, H.E. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar informed the ASEAN Foreign Ministers on recent and current developments in Rakhine State and the efforts undertaken by the Government of Myanmar in addressing difficulties and challenges facing it in the said State, including Myanmar’s cooperation with the international community especially with the United Nation’s agencies such as the establishment of the Central Committee on Implementation of Peace, Stability and Development in Rakhine State and Advisory Commission led by Dr. Kofi Anna, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

President Bounnhang Vorachit and other top leaders, including Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the National Assembly Pany Yathortou and ministers and their deputies and their spouses received a courtesy call from a delegation of foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations who extended their wishes on the occasion of the 41^st anniversary of National Day (Dec 2, 1975​-2016) and International New Year 2017.