(KPL) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith welcomed the farewell visit of Ms. Annette Knobloch, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Lao PDR, upon the completion of her diplomatic duties in the Lao PDR.

 On behalf of the Lao PDR Government, the Deputy Prime Minister awarded Ambassador Knobloch a Friendship Medal in appreciation of her significant contributions to strengthening the longstanding relations, friendship, and cooperation between Laos and Germany.

Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed his gratitude to Ms. Annette Knobloch for her successful diplomatic efforts during her three-year tenure (2021-2024) in the Lao PDR.

He highly appreciated her valuable contributions to enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Her efforts led to the German government including the Lao PDR in the list of priority countries receiving bilateral aid from Germany in 2022.

The German government has announced the continuation of its assistance to the Lao PDR, with existing programmes amounting to 38 million euros. This announcement coincided with the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Germany in 2023.

High-level bilateral visits, including those of Mr. Tobias Linner, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, in 2024, and Mr. Jochen Flasbarth, Deputy Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, in 2022, have further promoted this cooperation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Knobloch played a crucial role in facilitating German assistance to the Lao government, including the provision of vaccines and necessary medical equipment. She also significantly contributed to fostering unity and cooperation between the Lao-German Friendship Association and the German-Lao Friendship Association, regularly mobilizing funds from the German government to support bilateral cooperation and socio-economic development in the Lao PDR.

Both sides acknowledged the fruitful cooperation between Laos and Germany. Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay particularly appreciated the invaluable support and assistance from the German government and people in areas such as sustainable economic development, rural development, and vocational education, which have notably contributed to the socio-economic development of the Lao PDR and the strengthening of friendly relations between the two countries.

In response, Ambassador Annette Knobloch expressed her sincere gratitude to the government and people of Laos, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, for their cooperation, support, and facilitation throughout her diplomatic mission.

She also expressed her joy and heartfelt thanks for being awarded the Friendship Medal, recognizing it as a significant symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Germany and Laos.

In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith wished Ambassador Knobloch good health, success in her future endeavors, and welcomed her to visit the Lao PDR again.

KPL