Khamjane Vongphosy and Xavier Bettel shake hands after signing project amendments during their meeting in Vientiane. - Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): The governments of Laos and Luxembourg have reiterated their dedication to enhancing cooperation in priority areas such as health and nutrition, local development, skills development and employability, good governance, access to justice, and the rule of law.
The commitments came when delegations from Laos and Luxembourg held the 15th Bilateral Partnership Commission Meeting in Vientiane recently.
The meeting was chaired by Lao Minister of Planning and Investment, Mr Khamjane Vongphosy, and Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel.
The two delegations reviewed the progress of implementation of projects under the 5th Indicative Cooperation Programme, running from 2023-2027.
Discussions covered a broad spectrum of ongoing programmes and projects spanning bilateral, multilateral, and civil society collaborations.
Khamjane said Laos was deeply grateful for the continued support and partnership of the government of Luxembourg.
“This partnership has been instrumental in advancing our national development goals, particularly in the areas of health, local development and good governance,” he said.
Following the meeting, two protocol amendments were signed, bolstering the existing Health and Nutrution Programme and the Rule of Law, Access to Justice and Good Governance Programme.
These are both implemented by LuxDevelopment, the latter in cooperation with the Institute for Legal Support and Technical Assistance and the University of Luxembourg.
The amendments include a 2 million Euro increase to the health and nutrition programme for a nationwide upgrade of blood cold chain equipment, as well as a 200,000 Euro contribution to the Lao Statistics Bureau to support the 3rd Phase of the Lao Social Indicator Survey, a crucial tool for informed policymaking.
The amendment to the programme facilitates the integration of a cooperation project between the University of Luxembourg and the National University of Laos.
Bettel said the agreements demonstrate commitment to supporting the health and legal sectors and continuing long-term collaboration.
Participation in the 15th Bilateral Partnership Commission Meeting by Xavier Bettel occurred during his first visit to Laos following his appointment under the new government of Luxembourg.
During their time in Laos, Mr Bettel and his delegation visited projects that benefit from the support of Luxembourg, including a UXO demining site in Luang Prabang province, the Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant, a Local Development projects site in Nathong village, and the Maria Theresa Hospital in Vientiane province. - Vientiane Times/ANN
