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Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chairman of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA), together with the National Regulatory Authority for the UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA Office), successfully organized a high-level field visit on 21 November for members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations.
The visit to the UXO Clearance and Disaster Relief Training Center of the Lao People’s Army (Center 523) was held as part of the side events to the 14th High-Level Round Table Meeting from 18–20 November 2025 in Vientiane.
The visit aimed to provide delegates with direct insight into the practical operations of national demining teams, particularly the technical work carried out by Center 523. Participants observed UXO survey and clearance activities and assessed how international assistance is contributing to national priorities in UXO mitigation and disaster preparedness. The event further highlighted the Lao PDR’s strong commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 18 (SDG 18) – Lives Safe from UXO.
In his remarks, Vice Minister Anouparb thanked development partners for their continued support and commended national operators for their dedication to survey and clearance operations, explosive ordnance risk education (EORE), and victim assistance. Center 523 presented updates on its operational achievements and ongoing challenges, supported by visual exhibits demonstrating survey and clearance methodologies and their wider development impact.
A series of field demonstrations were featured, including area survey techniques, clearance operations, explosive ordnance destruction, and related exhibitions. A controlled demolition of an unexploded ordnance provided delegates with a realistic understanding of field conditions, during which the Vice Minister and a KOICA representative were invited to initiate the remote detonation. This demonstration showcased Center 523’s strict adherence to safety protocols and professional operating standards.
The field visit underscored the vital link between humanitarian action and national development. By allowing development partners to observe field operations firsthand, the event promoted transparency, strengthened dialogue, and reinforced future cooperation. Acting as the NRA Secretariat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs used the occasion to highlight tangible progress in the UXO sector—one of the priority areas of the National Socio-Economic Development Plan and a cornerstone of the Lao PDR’s broader development agenda.
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