17 August 2020 – On the occasion of her recent appointment, UNICEF Representative, Dr Pia Rebello Britto, paid today a courtesy visit to H. E. Mr Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.

During the visit, H. E. Mr Saleumxay Kommasith congratulated Dr Pia Rebello Britto for her appointment as UNICEF Representative to Lao PDR. He also showed appreciation for UNICEF’s assistance to Lao PDR in the implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG and Children, and expressed interest in continuing the close collaboration between the Government and UNICEF on the efforts towards achieving the goals of 8^th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, graduation from Least Developed Country status and implementation of the SDGs.

Thanking the Minister of Foreign Affairs for his warm welcome and appreciation of UNICEF’s work, Dr Pia Rebello Britto assured him that she will work hand in hand with the Lao Government to strengthen their cooperation and improve the lives of children in the country, particularly Lao Generation 2030.

Dr Pia Rebello Britto is confident that through the strong partnership with the Government of the Lao PDR and close collaboration with other partners, the objectives of the new programme of cooperation 2017-21 will be achieved contributing to the priorities of the national development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.

On this occasion, Minister KOMMASITH expressed his most cordial congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Pia Rebello Britto for good health, personal well-being and every success in her noble endeavors in Lao PDR.

To conclude his visit, UNICEF Representative conveyed her best wishes for continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Lao PDR, especially children - the future of the country.