Keynote Speech by

H.E. Mr. Thongloun SISOULITH,

President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on the Occasion of

the 48^th Anniversary of the Founding of the Lao PDR and the forthcoming New Year 2024

1 December 2023,

National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

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• Your Excellency Orhan IŞIK, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to the Lao PDR, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Spouse,
• Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of the International Organisations accredited to the Lao PDR and Spouses,
• Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, it is my great pleasure to join the Leaders of the Party and the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), and, on behalf of the entire people of Lao PDR, in welcoming the members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of the international organisations accredited to the Lao PDR at this Wishing Ceremony marking the 48^th Anniversary of the Founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the forthcoming New Year 2024.

At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of the international organisations for your kind words towards the Lao Government as well as the entire people of Lao PDR.

Your well-wishes stand as a testament to the amity, cordial friendship, and sound cooperation of your countries and the international organisations shown to the Lao PDR. Moreover, these kind words and wishes are also a significant source of encouragement for the Lao Government and the people to further carry out our noblest task of national safeguarding and development, particularly in overcoming the current challenges and difficulties.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over the past year, our world has faced multitude of issues and challenges on an unprecedented scale. These includes natural disasters, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, energy crisis, and economic and financial difficulties arising from conflicts in various parts of the world. These dilemmas have become major obstacles, affecting every country both directly and indirectly. Similarly, the Lao PDR, a small nation with a modest and somewhat fragile economy, has not been immune to these global phenomena. Against this backdrop, our Party and Government have dedicated immense effort to govern the country by employing necessary measures and tapping into the country’s potential, bolstered by support and assistance from friendly countries and international organisations. Overall, the Lao PDR has managed these obstacles and challenges to a considerable extent. The 9^th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) has been effectively implemented, marking progress across various fronts. This plan has been instrumental in maintaining solid political stability, social order, and promoting sustained economic growth. These achievements have laid the groundwork for the Lao PDR to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026, in accordance with the goals set by the United Nations (UN). Furthermore, our ongoing efforts are building a robust foundation for national development, putting us on track to successfully meet the ambitious objectives outlined in the 9^th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).

In this regard, I, on behalf of the Lao Government and people, would like to express gratitude to all friendly countries and international organisations for your comprehensive cooperation and assistance rendered to the Lao PDR over the past years. This support has greatly contributed to the Lao PDR’s overall achievements, enabling us to surmount both past and present difficulties and challenges.

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The world continues to undergo complex changes, with increasing severity, particularly in geopolitical conflicts and, notably, in military confrontations not seen in many decades. These unprecedented events present significant challenges and pose a threat to global peace, stability, and security. Against this background, the Lao Government remains steadfast in adhering to its consistent foreign policy of peace, friendship, independence, and cooperation. The Lao PDR supports all constructive efforts by all parties aimed at immediately ending all existing violence, which may expand into wider areas. We firmly believe that a joint, constructive effort is the only viable path to ending such violence and creating an environment conducive to peaceful consultations. This will continue our quest to seek solutions to the root causes of the conflicts, aimed at establishing long-term world peace. The Lao PDR stands ready to actively contribute to the efforts of the international community through the existing cooperation frameworks to which the Lao PDR is a Party, with a view to promoting peace, stability, security, and development cooperation, both regionally and globally.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,    

In the upcoming year of 2024, a significant period awaits as the Lao Government and the people are honoured to once again assume the role of ASEAN Chairmanship, under the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience." To date, the preparations for this crucial role have progressed well, and we are committed to ensuring that the Lao PDR's ASEAN Chairmanship year unfolds smoothly and successfully.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude and sincere thanks to the ASEAN Member States, Dialogue Partners, friendly countries, and international organizations, for the invaluable support and importance you have attached to the Lao PDR's ASEAN Chairmanship. Your assistance in the early stages of preparation is greatly appreciated. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of the international organisations accredited to the Lao PDR for your cooperation and particularly for your excellent role in coordinating between the government of the Lao PDR and your respective governments and international organisations. We believe that your support and assistance are not only essential to the Chairmanship's preparation but also serve as significant motivation and encouragement for the Lao PDR as we assume this honourable role and work towards achieving our set objectives and goals.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Concurrently with its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, the Lao Government has designated 2024 as “Visit Laos Year”. We, the Lao Government and people, are eager to welcome not only the Heads of State/Government, and Delegations of ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners attending the related meetings, but also tourists from your respective countries to the Lao PDR. This initiative aims to revitalize the tourism atmosphere after the COVID-19 pandemic. These visits will enhance people-to-people exchanges and contribute to the socio-economic development of the Lao PDR.

As the New Year 2024 approaches, on behalf of all people of the Lao PDR and myself, I would like to convey my heartfelt wishes to all distinguished guests present here today good health, happiness, and great success in your noble tasks. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend, through all members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of the international organisations present, my warmest greetings and best wishes to the Heads of State/Government, and the people of your respective countries, as well as to the Leaders of your respective International Organisations.

Finally, I extend my best wishes to people all around the world happiness, progress, and harmonious coexistence. May the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Lao PDR and people around the world last forever!

Thank you.