President Choummaly Sayasone highly valued Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s visit to Laos, according to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The princess arrived in Vientiane yesterday for a two-day official visit in response to an invitation from the Lao government, a press release from the ministry said.
Shortly after her arrival, the Princess and Her Royal Highness’ delegation paid a courtesy call to Mr Choummaly at the Presidential Office in the capital.
“The President highly values the visit of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, which takes place every year,” the press release said.
The president expressed heartfelt thanks to the Princess, the Royal Family, the government and the people of Thailand for the helpful assistance they have extended to Laos, which has contributed to the country’s socio-economic development and improved the living conditions of the people.
The meeting and discussion between the president and the Princess took place in a friendly atmosphere, reflecting the good neighbourly relations.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Her Royal Highness’ delegation later visited Phonsavanh School for Gifted and Ethnic students in Dongdok village, Xaythany district, Vientiane.
The school, built with Vietnamese funding as a gift to the Lao government, is administered by the National University of Laos.
It focuses on offering educational opportunities for talented students from rural communities to pursue higher education, so they can develop their communities and the country as a whole. At present, the school accommodates 429 students who are being taught by 63 teachers.
According to the press release, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn handed over textbooks, teaching and learning materials and sporting equipment to the school.
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong also hosted a banquet lunch to honour Her Royal Highness and the delegation.
On the same day, the Princess departed Vientiane to visit the southern provinces of Attapeu, Xekong and Champassak.
The Princess was scheduled to attend a Baci ceremony organised by the Attapeu provincial authority to extend best wishes to her and her delegates. Attapeu’s provincial governor also hosted a banquet dinner in honour of the Princess.
Today, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and her delegation are scheduled to tour local markets, some tourist attractions and admire local art performances in the southern provinces before returning to Thailand.
Source: Vientiane Times
May 31, 2013
