Message by H.E. Mr.  Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR

On the Occasions of the 56^th Anniversary of the Founding of ASEAN and the 26^th Anniversary of the Lao PDR’s Accession to ASEAN

Vientiane, 8 August 2023

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Excellencies Party and State Leaders,

Dear Officials, Soldiers, Police Officers and All Lao People,

On the commemorative occasion of the 56^th Anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN and the 26^th Anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s accession to ASEAN, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government of the Lao PDR, to extend my warm greetings to Excellencies Party and State Leaders, officials, soldiers, police officers, and all Lao people, as well as foreigners who work and reside in the Lao PDR.

Excellencies, all Lao People,

Over the past 56 years, ASEAN has gradually expanded both in terms of its membership and cooperation.

Peace, stability, and cooperation for development have been the consistent goals of ASEAN. ASEAN, as an inter-governmental regional organisation with unity in diversity, has contributed to a common course of promoting and maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world. In 2015, ASEAN established the ASEAN Community, which consists of three pillars, namely ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. ASEAN is currently the world's fifth-largest economy and is expected to be the fourth in the near future.

ASEAN’s cooperation with external partners has deepened and widened through ASEAN-initiated, ASEAN-led, and ASEAN-centred mechanisms, bringing benefits to both ASEAN and its external partners.

Excellencies, all Lao People,

The Lao PDR attaches great importance to ASEAN. Throughout the past 26 years, all line agencies of the Lao PDR have actively and responsively participated in ASEAN activities and cooperation, which has contributed to ASEAN Community building efforts and brought tangible benefits to the Lao PDR. It has also raised the profile of the Lao PDR in the regional and international arena.

The Lao PDR had the honour of serving as ASEAN Chair twice, in 2004-2005 and 2016.

We will have the honour of assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship for the third time in 2024, when ASEAN focuses its efforts to fully implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and the Lao PDR will take a leading role in developing the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision, amongst others.

The Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 is another opportunity to elevate the role and profile of the Lao PDR in the regional and international arena. It also provides an opportunity to promote Lao culture and tradition, as well as Visit Laos Year 2024. The Lao PDR is currently making all necessary arrangements to ensure its successful ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

I would like to take this opportunity to call on officials, soldiers, police officers, and all Lao people to contribute, in accordance with your respective duties and responsibilities, to the preparation for the ASEAN Chairmanship and to host ASEAN meetings in the Lao PDR, as well as to welcome delegates and tourists who will visit the Lao PDR in 2024.

I am confident that, under the leadership and supervision of the Party and State Leaders and the solidarity of all Lao people, combined with the support from ASEAN Member States, friendly countries, and regional and international organisations, the Lao PDR will be able to be a good host and an effective ASEAN Chair.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my best wishes to the Party and State Leaders, officials, soldiers, police officers, and all Lao people for good health, happiness, and success in your noble tasks. Please join us in this meaningful celebration of the 56^th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN and the 26^th anniversary of the Lao PDR’s ASEAN membership.

Thank you