VIENTIANE: Party Secretary General and President Thongloun Sisoulith (pic) has extended best wishes to people from all walks of life across the country, as well as Lao expatriates abroad and foreign expatriates in Laos, on the occasion of Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao).
The new year festival is celebrated from April 14-16, when everyone bids farewell to the outgoing year B.E. 2566 – the year of rabbit - and welcomes the new year B.E. 2567 – the year of the dragon.
“On this auspicious occasion of welcoming the new year B.E. 2567, may I extend best wishes to all Lao compatriots including those living abroad, as well as foreign expatriates living and carrying out missions in Laos,” President Thongloun said. The Party and state leader wished everyone happiness and good health and the hope that they would welcome the new year joyfully, with good fortune, and in safety.
The leader recalled that over the course of B.E. 2566, the entire Lao people had suffered hardship as a result of internal and external factors. However, through mastery, dedication and the cohesive solidarity of all Lao people in following the policies and measures laid out by the Party and government, Laos has been able to maintain political stability and social security and order.
“Implementation of the socio-economic development plan has resulted in fundamental achievements. The economy is growing at a healthier rate. Investment and tourism have been revitalised, and people’s living conditions are improving,” the president said.
This progress has created sound foundations and advantages for the fulfilment of the Resolution adopted by the XI Party Congress.
In this context, the Party and state leader took the opportunity to congratulate and express gratitude to all government officials, soldiers, police officers, businesspeople and members of the public for their contributions to efforts to overcome the hardships of the past year.
The head of state also expressed heartfelt gratitude to friendly countries and international organisations for their unwavering support and assistance to Laos.
President Thongloun added that next year will be another in which Laos will continue to face challenges and tests.
“However, we foresee opportunities and hopes and have an optimistic view of the future,” the leader said, calling for joint efforts to overcome these challenges.
“May I call on the entire Party, state, armed forces and all Lao people to further strengthen cohesive solidarity, bolster the national spirit of patriotism and uphold our sense of ownership by contributing power and wisdom to fulfill our individual duties and obligations in the tasks of national safeguarding and defence,” the president said.
In a year when Laos is chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and rolling out the Visit Laos Year programme, the president called for people from all walks of life to fully play their part being good hosts, maintain social security and order, and do everything possible to make a good impression on the foreign leaders and delegates who will attend Asean-related summits and other meetings, as well as visiting businesspeople and tourists. - Vientiane Times/ANN
