(KPL) An international delegation attending the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM) will undertake a field visit to Luang Prabang Province on September 13, 2026, one day before the official opening of the conference in Vientiane.

In an interview with the media, Anoupharb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the field visit would give international delegates an opportunity to observe first-hand the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO), clearance activities and the challenges faced by communities affected by cluster munitions.

He said the Lao government selected Luang Prabang as the field-visit destination because the province has made continued progress in UXO clearance while also being a UNESCO World Heritage city with rich cultural and historical traditions.

Approximately 250 delegates are expected to take part in the visit based on initial registrations. They will travel between Vientiane and Luang Prabang by the Lao-China high-speed railway before visiting the UXO Visitor Centre and travelling to a field clearance site.

Anoupharb said the railway would provide a convenient, fast and safe means of transport while also allowing international delegates to experience Laos’ infrastructure development.

The authorities have also prepared contingency arrangements in case of unfavourable weather, including visits to other locations and activities related to UXO clearance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated closely with relevant central and local authorities to organise transportation, reception and other arrangements, with measures in place to ensure order and safety throughout the visit.

Anoupharb said seeing UXO clearance operations and their impact on affected communities would help delegates gain a deeper understanding of the humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions and the efforts of Lao clearance personnel.

He expressed the hope that the visit would strengthen international understanding and shared commitment to addressing the UXO problem.

“On behalf of the Lao PDR, I invite all delegates to witness the progress made in addressing the UXO issue in Laos and to join efforts to advance implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions towards the global goal of a world free from the threat of cluster munitions,” he said.

KPL