(KPL) HE Mr Phoukhao Phommavongsa, Permanent Representative of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, presented his credentials to Mr. Lassina Zerbo , Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), on 14 August 2014.

Executive Secretary Zerbo welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Phoukhao and congratulated the Laos for its participation and contribution to the CTBTO. He also confirmed that the CTBTO would continue to cooperate and help Laos in term of technical training in order to upgrade the capacity for Lao officials.

Laos signed in the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) on 30 July, 1997 and ratified it on 5 October 2000.
The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is an international organization established by the States Signatories to the Treaty on 19 November 1996 and has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The objective of the organization is to achieve the object and purpose of the Treaty, to ensure the implementation of its provisions, including those for international verification of compliance with the Treaty, and to provide a forum for consultation and cooperation among Member States.

To this end, the Commission prepares for the entry-into-force of the Treaty and carries out the necessary preparations for the effective implementation of the Treaty, including the establishment of a global verification regime. The Preparatory Commission consists of a plenary body composed of all States signatories to the Treaty and a Provisional Technical Secretariat.

KPL