President Thongloun Sisoulith delivers a speech to mark the national day (December 2) at the meeting attended by other leaders and foreign diplomats.

Diplomats praise govt’s efforts to fulfil development plans

Foreign diplomats on Friday met with President Thongloun Sisoulith and other government leaders to offer best wishes as Laos celebrates the 48th anniversary of the founding of the republic.
At a gathering held in Vientiane, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Laos and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Laos, Mr Orhan Isik, praised the government’s efforts to develop the country and use its landlocked location to become a land link within the region.
“Despite and contrary to increasing geopolitical tensions, uncertainty in the global economy, high inflation around the world and the recent economic crisis, the government of Laos diligently continues to implement the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP),” Mr Isik said.
“The year ahead also marks the 3rd Asean chairmanship Laos will hold which will underline the government’s historic and timely efforts to turn Laos from a land-locked to a land-linked country. We wish every success to the Lao government and Asean Member States in building and achieving a more connected and resilient Asean.” 
The Asean community enhances dialogue and creates regional architecture for stability, peace and security in a world that is increasingly becoming unstable and prone to open conflicts, he added.
“The centrality of Asean recalls our duty as the representatives of diplomacy to uphold international law and its basic principles, promote multilateralism, and enhance dialogue among our nations,” Mr Isik said.
Ambassadors and Heads of Missions of International Organisations fully recognise their goal to contribute to the development of Laos through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, he added, saying “I express confidence that this interaction will bring benefit and good to the people of Laos.”
President Thongloun said the world has faced numerous challenges over the past year, ranging from the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to extreme weather events, the energy crisis, and far-reaching economic and financial problems.
“These dilemmas have become major obstacles, affecting every country both directly and indirectly. Similarly, Laos, a small nation with a modest and somewhat fragile economy, has not been immune to these global phenomena,” he said.
“Against this backdrop, our Party and government have dedicated immense effort to govern the country by employing necessary measures and tapping into the country’s potential, bolstered by support and assistance from friendly countries and international organisations. Overall, Laos has managed these obstacles and challenges to a considerable extent.”
The President said the 9th NSEDP has been effectively implemented and made progress across various fronts.
The plan has been instrumental in maintaining solid political stability, social order, and promoting sustained economic growth. These achievements have laid the groundwork for Laos to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2026.
Also marking Lao National Day on December 2, heads of state and government in other countries sent messages of congratulations to their Lao counterparts.

By Times Reporters 
 (Latest Update December 5, 2023)