Messages pour in to mark Lao National Day

Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Laos have extended best wishes to Lao leaders and people on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the founding of the Lao PDR (December 2, 1975 – December 2, 2009).

Dean of the diplomatic corps and German Ambassador to Laos Dr Peter Wienand yesterday led foreign ambassadors and representatives of international organisations on a courtesy visit to President Choummaly Sayasone at the Presidential Palace.

President Choummaly, together with Party and government leaders, welcomed members of the visiting diplomatic corps and representatives of international organisations.

Dr Wienand, on behalf of the diplomatic corps, expressed heartfelt congratulations to President Choummaly, his wife, and the leaders and people of Laos on the special occasion.

He also expressed condolences to all victims of tropical storm Ketsana which hit the southern provinces of Laos in September.

He wished Laos great success in hosting the 25th SEA Games, for which competition commenced today.

“We sincerely hope that this event will go down in history as a peaceful, cheerful, and – in particular for Laos – successful sports festival,” Dr Wienand said.

Congratulations must also go to the Lao leadership and people for achievements made over the last year in the face of adverse global developments, he said, adding that wise decisions made by the leadership allowed the nation to weather the global financial crisis and ensuing recession.

Although Laos is on a path of fast modernisation and is well placed to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and move off the list of least developed nations by 2020, there are still challenges facing the country, he said.

These challenges range from guaranteeing that the whole population can participate in the economic boom through the creation of educational facilities and job opportunities for the young, to keeping the environment intact and keeping criminal activities, from corruption to drug abuse, at bay.

Nevertheless, political stability in Laos, combined with the gradual move to a state governed by the rule of law and the strengthening of all political institutions from the government to parliament and the judiciary, shows “there is indeed legitimate hope that Laos will continue to serve as a beacon of stability in a potentially volatile region and will act as a land link for all its neighbours,” Dr Wienand said.

President Choummaly thanked Dr Wienand for his positive remarks. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all friendly countries and international organisations for their invaluable support, assistance, and contributions to the country’s development.

Stimulated by such support and assistance, Laos enjoyed steady economic growth and this year’s growth stood at 7.6 percent and annual per capita income reached US$920, the president said.

In recent years, commercial production has also boomed nationwide, consequently making a positive contribution to poverty eradication efforts. The country has also maintained domestic security and political stability, he noted.

The president offered his best wishes for the upcoming New Year to all members of the diplomatic corps and through them to their respective state leaders, heads of government, agencies, and staff members.

Early yesterday morning, Party and state leaders laid a wreath at the Unknown Soldiers Monument. Some leaders paid a visit to medical staff at the Mahosot, Mittaphab and 103 hospitals to mark the day.

By Vientiane Times Reporters
December 02, 2009