Vientiane, 1 August 2023

Your Excellency,

On the occasion of the 732^nd Anniversary of the National Day of the Swiss Confederation, on behalf of the Lao People and on my behalf, I would like to express my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and through you to the entire Swiss people.

Particularly this year marks 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Swiss Confederation and it is my great pleasure to note that throughout the past 60 years, we have maintained our traditional bonds of friendship and excellent cooperation. The invaluable assistance provided by the Swiss has played a crucial role in contributing to the social and economic development of the Lao PDR, specifically in the fields of vocational education, rural development, environment protection and forest and land management.

I strongly believe that with our concerted efforts, our existing friendly relations and fruitful cooperation between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Swiss Confederation will be further enhanced and flourished in the coming years, in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks for mutual benefits of our two peoples as well as for peace, stability and cooperation for sustainable development in the region and the international fora.

May I take these auspicious occasions to wish Your Excellency good health, personal well-being and every success in your noble tasks, and the friendly people of Switzerland lasting happiness and prosperity.

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

(signed)

Thongloun SISOULITH

His Excellency Mr. Alain BERSET

President of the Swiss Confederation

Bern

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Vientiane, 1 August 2023

Your Excellency,

On the auspicious occasions of the National Day of the Swiss Confederation and the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Swiss Confederation (4 September 1963 - 4 September 2023), I have a great pleasure to express my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and through You to all officials of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

I am greatly delighted to witness that over the past 60 years, the diplomatic ties and cooperation between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Swiss Confederation as well as the two Foreign Ministries have been constantly developed and expanded in various areas observed by the regular exchange of high-ranking visits at different levels. I also share your assessment on the results of our remarkable achievements in our bilateral relations over the past years, particularly during the official visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic by Your Excellency in 2021. In addition, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the government and the people of Switzerland for the invaluable assistance and support to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic which has significantly contributed to the sustainable socio-economic development as well as the poverty reduction of the Lao people and bringing our nation to graduate from the Least Developed Country status by 2026.

I am confident that through our continued and joint efforts, our existing friendly relations and significant cooperation will be further strengthened and enhanced for mutual benefits of our two peoples as well as for regional and international peace, stability and sustainable development cooperation.

May I avail myself of this opportunity to wish Your Excellency and all officials of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs good health, happiness and greater success in your noble endeavors.

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

Saleumxay KOMMASITH

H.E. Mr. Ignazio Cassis

Federal Councillor

Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Bern