Statement by

H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR

at the Second Asia - Middle East Dialogue (AMED II)

Sharm EL Sheikh, Egypt, 5 April 2008

 

Co-Chairpersons,

On behalf of the Lao delegation, I would like to thank the Government and people of Egypt for the excellent arrangements made for this meeting as well as for the warm hospitality extended to my delegation.

Our “Asia-Middle East Dialogue “is at its infant stage. The adoption of the Declaration of Principles and Amity and Cooperation among the member countries of Asia-Middle East Dialogue will mark a crucial step in our strenuous endeavors to turn this forum into a fruitful and effective one. Let us cooperate, work together and persevere in our efforts to make this happen.

 

Co-Chairs,

The Asia-Middle East Dialogue is established to foster multidimensional people to people dialogue between Asia and the Middle East. The said Forum has the objective of promoting a 21^st century partnership for cementing political, economic and cultural cooperation between the governments and peoples of our two regions. Strategically located at the heart of Southeast Asia, the Lao PDR is considered to be a hub of our sub-region. The country continues to enjoy solid political, social and economic stability. It offers investment potentials especially in the area of natural resources namely hydropower, mining, agro-forestry and tourism. We are very keen to promote trade and economic ties with all countries members of AMED.

 

In our Asian region, the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) has emerged as another effective sub-regional economic cooperation mechanism. Together with the Asian Development Bank, the 6 countries, members of the GMS namely, Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, have just held their 3^rd Summit in my country last week. Under the theme “Strengthening Competitiveness through Greater Connectivity”, focusing on 9 sectors of cooperation, the GMS Third Summit, has adopted the Vientiane Action Plan that will serve as a blueprint for member states during the next 5 years 2008-2012. We propose that all countries members of AMED participate in this sub-regional cooperation to reap mutual advantages and benefits.

 

In Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is steadily moving ahead. With its three pillars namely political and security, economic and social-cultural as well as its recently new adopted Charter, ASEAN has firmly strengthened its stature. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) is on track towards realizing a single ASEAN market in 2015. We also invite all countries members of AMED to participate in this sub-regional cooperation for our mutual interests, contributing thereby to the promotion of peace and stability in our two regions, Asia and the Middle East and the world at large.

Thank You.

 

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