VIENTIANE: President Thongloun Sisoulith welcomed United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the Presidential Office in Vientiane on Friday (Oct 11), during the 14th Asean-United Nations Summit.
The President expressed a warm welcome to Guterres and his delegation, acknowledging the significance of this visit, which is the first by a UN Secretary-General since Ban Ki-moon came to Laos in 2016 when Laos was previously the Asean chair.
President Thongloun said he deeply appreciated the United Nations’ crucial role in maintaining international peace and security and supporting sustainable development worldwide.
He expressed sincere gratitude for the UN’s cooperation and assistance to Laos through various mechanisms, particularly the roundtable process.
This support has significantly contributed to Laos’ socio-economic development and efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals, including the 18th goal which aims to ensure a life free from unexploded ordnance.
The President said unexploded ordnance was a significant obstacle affecting the lives of people in Laos.
He called on the United Nations to continue its cooperation to help Laos smoothly transition from underdeveloped status, sustainably, and with quality.
In return, Guterres thanked President Thongloun for the warm reception and commended Laos for its Asean chairmanship and the organisation of the summit.
He acknowledged Asean’s role as a unified region that strengthens peace and development, serving as a model for others amid current global challenges.
The Secretary-General praised Laos for its development progress and recognised the country as being peaceful and stable, positioning it as a model of peace for others.
He pledged continued UN support for Laos in achieving its development and sustainable development goals.
After the close of the summit on Friday, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Guterres at the National Convention Centre.
They exchanged views on the cooperation framework between Laos and the United Nations, focusing on support for Laos’ goal to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026. - Vientiane Times/ANN
