(KPL)On October 11, 2024, at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith warmly welcomed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who was in Laos to attend the 14th ASEAN-UN Summit. This marks a significant event, as the last visit of a UN Secretary-General to Laos was in 2016 when Ban Ki-moon attended the ASEAN Summit during Laos' previous chairmanship.

President Thongloun expressed his appreciation for Guterres' leadership and the UN's vital role in maintaining global peace and security, as well as supporting sustainable development worldwide. He thanked the UN for its longstanding cooperation and assistance to Laos, particularly through initiatives like the round table process, which has contributed significantly to the country’s socio-economic development and progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also highlighted the importance of Laos' unique 18th SDG, "Lives Safe from UXO," acknowledging the threat unexploded ordnance poses to both development and the safety of the Lao people.

President Thongloun urged continued UN cooperation to support Laos’ efforts to graduate from least developed country status in a smooth and sustainable manner.

Secretary-General Guterres expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and commended Laos for its successful ASEAN Chairmanship and the organization of the ASEAN Summit. He praised ASEAN as a unified region playing a crucial role in fostering peace and development, serving as a model for other regions amid global challenges.

Guterres also acknowledged Laos' development progress, describing the country as peaceful and stable, and a potential model of peace for other nations. He pledged the UN's continued support for Laos in achieving its national development goals and SDGs.

Later that afternoon, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Secretary-General Guterres at the National Convention Center. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation between Laos and the UN, focusing on supporting Laos' goal of graduating from least developed country status by 2026.

KPL