VIENTIANE: The Swedish diplomatic mission to Laos held a reception in Vientiane on Monday (March 17) to welcome and introduce the new Honorary Consul of Sweden, Per Gradin, in a move to cement bilateral ties.
Hosting the event, the Swedish Ambassador, Anna Hammargren, welcomed all guests and assured the government of Laos of Sweden’s greatest respect at all times.
She conveyed her thanks to all those invited to the reception to welcome Gradin in his new role as Honorary Consul of Sweden.
She spoke about the long-standing relationship and cooperation between Laos and Sweden and congratulated Laos on its successful Chairmanship of the Asean in 2024.
Hammargren also congratulated Laos on its good results in the efforts to stabilise inflation and the positive progress made in the development of tourism.
She emphasised the intention to continue the longstanding good ties between the two countries.
Gradin expressed his gratitude at being appointed to his new role and his heartfelt appreciation to the government of Laos for the willingness to accept him as Honorary Consul.
He said he would be fully dedicated and committed to fulfil his duties to the best of his abilities and to work for the continued strong relations between Laos and Sweden.
The welcome and networking reception brought together the Lao Deputy Minister of Finance, Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, representatives from the Ministries of Public Works, Planning and Investment, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Information, Culture and Tourism and Justice, and the Ambassadors of Australia, the US, South Korea, the European Union, Hungary and Cambodia.
The event was also attended by the heads of a number of international organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, Unicef, World Food Program and UNFPA, and representatives of Thailand, the United Kingdom, France, the private sector and the Swedish community in Laos.
The networking event continued with a lively exchange among nearly 100 guests, with many fruitful discussions and new contacts made. - Vientiane Times/ANN
