President of Laos and Party Secretary, Thongloun Sisoulith, gave a speech wishing prosperity and happiness to Lao citizens, expatriates, and foreign nationals living in the country for the upcoming Lao New Year on 14-16 April.
The President began his speech by pointing out the many challenges that Lao people have faced in the past year and the numerous achievements the country has seen as a whole.
He said in his speech, “The past year saw many great things for our country, as Lao people of all ethnicities came together and supported one another through challenges and difficulties. Last year was also a time that our country continued to have political stability and social peace.”
He added, “Economic development continues to grow at a good pace, people’s lives have been improved due to improving cooperation with neighboring countries, and open borders have allowed tourists to come and enjoy our country,” Lao Security News reports.
The President praised all government agencies for their efforts in helping the country move forward over the past year and expressed hope that they will be able to successfully deal with challenges that will arise in the coming year.
He said, “We must simultaneously maintain and enhance the good heritage of our nation, increase our unity, concentrate all our strength, encouragement and intelligence in the mission of protecting and developing our nation, push the implementation of the two national agendas into a more formal form in order to strengthen ourselves, and create a strong foundation in all fields of work in the coming year.”
“On this auspicious occasion to welcome the Lao New Year (the year 2566), I would like to send my best wishes to my compatriots, to the Lao people who live abroad as well as foreigners who live and work in Laos. May you all be happy, free from illness, and see prosperity and progress in all aspects throughout the new year 2566, Happy New Year!”, said the President at the end of his speech.
The Lao New Year is a celebration held annually in Laos on 14-16 April. The first day is the last day of the old year. Houses and villages are properly cleaned on the first day. Perfume, water, and flowers are also prepared for the Lao New Year. The second day of the festival is the “day of no year”, a day that falls in neither the old year nor the new year. The last day of the festival marks the start of the new year. In Laos, Lao New Year is a government holiday, with state offices closed during these three days.
