(KPL) On the occasion of France’s National Day, the French Residence in Vientiane hosted an official reception attended by more than 450 guests, bringing together key figures from the political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural sectors.

Among the distinguished guests were Minister of Finance Santhiphab Phomvihane and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maythong Thammavongsa.

The 2025 celebration held special significance as it marked the end of the four-year tenure of the French Ambassador to Laos. In a warm and heartfelt address, the Ambassador reflected on impactful projects and the vital contributions of the French community in strengthening bilateral relations.

"These past four years in Laos have been filled with exchanges, concrete projects, and unforgettable encounters. All dimensions of the bilateral relationship political, economic, educational, scientific, and cultural - have been revitalized. Thank you all for these years of commitment, dialogue, and shared achievements," said French ambassador to the Lao PDR Siv-Leng Chhuor.

Ambassador Chhuor also highlighted the key milestones of her mission: the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship in 2023, the visit of President Thongloun Sisoulith to Paris in 2024, and continued cooperation in priority areas such as health, education, francophonie, heritage, gender edquality, sustainable development, and energy transition.

The Ambassador further reaffirmed France's commitment, within the framework of its Indo-Pacific strategy, to strengthening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its member states-including the Lao PDR.

Throughout the evening, several activities showcased the cultural ties between France and Laos. Guests were invited to take a virtual reality tour of Paris, admire scale models of the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, and enjoy two concerts that added a festive note to the celebration. A vibrant illustration of the creative and dynamic relationship between the two countries.

KPL