H.E. Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Madame Naly Sisoulith.

H.E. Mr. Phankham Viphavanh, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Madame Sichanh Viphavanh.

H.E. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihanh, President of the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Madame Viphavanh Phomvihanh,

H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

H.E. Mrs. Khemmani Pholsena, Head of the President’s Office of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

H.E. Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Chairman of the External Relations Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee

Sabaidee. A very good morning to all of you.

In my capacity as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, I am honored to extend on behalf of all the Ambassadors accredited to the Lao PDR, our warmest congratulations to Your Excellencies, and to the Government and the People of the Lao PDR, in commemorating the 47th Founding Anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, as we gather here at the first ever Wishing Ceremony after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Almost a year ago, the opening of the 426-km Laos – China railway to mark the 46th Founding Anniversary of the Lao PDR stood as a milestone in Laos’ history as it strives to integrate itself economically with the rest of the world, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Human resources and socio-economic development are also given its utmost priority by the Lao government so that the country can benefit fully from regional integration. Political stability, security and social order have been maintained to facilitate national development and poverty reduction. At present, Laos is making all its efforts to develop the country in line with the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, the world is in a difficult situation as the global economy is facing multiple challenges, such as ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation and increasing geopolitical tensions. We welcome roadmap of reforms initiated by the Lao Government which can help to stabilize the economic situation in the Lao PDR to create an environment for long-term recovery.  

As the Lao government continues to implement the 9^th National Socio-Economic Development Plan under the close guidance and leadership of the Party, combined with the high level of commitment of sectors, local authorities and the Lao people, the socio-economic development of the Lao PDR, despite the many difficulties and challenges, will be able to improve livelihoods of the Lao people.

And we, as your bilateral and development partners, look forward to working with the Lao Government in implementing this plan by further strengthening our relations, exploring and encouraging trade and investment engagements, government-to-government and people-to-people interactions and enhancing our cooperation on the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

As Lao PDR fosters positive environment for development opportunities among its neighbors to better integrate regionally and internationally, it will be more than ready to assume its global leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2024.

Finally, on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps in the Lao PDR, we wish to congratulate the Lao Government and the People on the occasion of the 47^th Anniversary of the Lao PDR and we also wish for all of your continued good health, for success in all your noble tasks and for the prosperity of all our people on the forthcoming New Year 2023.