Australian Ambassador to Laos, Megan Jones, paid a farewell call on Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, President of the Lao Front for National Development (LFND), to thank him for his longstanding support for Laos-Australia relations and to discuss shared development priorities.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to congratulate the LFND on its recent 76th anniversary and recognise its important role in supporting national unity and engagement with communities across Laos.
Ambassador Jones acknowledged Kikeo’s contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries, particularly through closer engagement between Australia and Lao Party institutions. She noted his support for dialogue and exchange, including opportunities for Australian Ambassadors to engage senior Party, government and mass organisation representatives, helping build mutual understanding.
Ambassador Jones and Kikeo reflected on the continued growth of the bilateral relationship, including its elevation to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2024. Both agreed on the importance of people-to-people connections between Laos and Australia for strengthening personal and cross-cultural connections.
The discussion also focused on implementation of the Party’s National Agenda, particularly how development opportunities can better reach ethnic, rural and vulnerable communities across Laos. Ambassador Jones acknowledged LFND’s important work in ethnic and religious affairs and its engagement with and empowerment of communities throughout the country. Dr Kikeo emphasized the importance of empowering ethnic groups to Laos’ social, cultural and economic development.
Ambassador Jones reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Laos’ long-term development through education, human resource development, economic reform and community wellbeing. She highlighted support for health and education, scholarships, leadership development, English-language training and professional capacity building as investments in the next generation of Lao leaders.
The Ambassador also welcomed the strong cooperation between Australia and Lao institutions, including through the Laos-Australia Friendship Association and ongoing policy dialogue between the two countries.
As her posting draws to a close, Ambassador Jones expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to deepen under her successor. Kikeo welcomed continued close cooperation with Australia’s incoming Ambassador.
