Statement by

 H.E. SaleumxayKommasith

 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR

 at the Ministerial Segment of the 73^rd Session of the UNESCAP

 Bangkok, 18 May 2017

Mr. Chairperson,

Distinguish delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset, on behalf of delegation of the Lao PDR, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. Chairperson, on your election as Chairperson of the UNESCAP73^rd session held under the theme “Strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable energy”. May I also express my sincere thanks to UNESCAP and the Government and people of Thailand for the gracious hospitality as well as the excellent arrangements made for this year’s session.

Statement by

H.E. BounNhang VORACHITH, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

at the Leaders Roundtable of the Belt and Road Forum
for International Cooperation

15 May 2017, Beijing, P.R. China

Thematic Discussion on:

“Connectivity Cooperation for Interconnected Development”

-       His Excellency President Xi Jinping,

-       Excellencies Heads of State and Government,

-       Excellencies,

-       Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the era of regional and international integration, development cooperation is a prerequisite as all countries whether at regional or international level are interdependent. In this context, connectivity plays a crucial role in creating favorable condition for interconnected and sustainable development as well as in ensuring tangible benefits of socio-economic development.

          H.E. Bounnhang Vorachit, President of the Lao PDR with high ranking delegation of Laos had arrived Beijing Capital, China on 13 May 2017, in order to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation: “Cooperation for Common Prosperity”, which is a two days meeting from 14-15 May 2017.