Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith extended a warm welcome to four newly appointed ambassadors in a diplomatic ceremony on 5 February in Vientiane.
The president welcomed Mrs. Megan Elizabeth Jones, the new Ambassador of Australia to Laos; Mr. Filomeno Aleixo da Silva, Ambassador of the New Democratic Republic of Timor Leste to Laos; Mrs. Heather Roach Variava, the newly appointed Ambassador of the United States of America to Laos; and Mr. Aung Ko, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Laos.
During the welcoming ceremony, President Thongloun conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to each ambassador on their appointment to represent their respective countries in Laos. He expressed optimism that their tenures would serve to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between their nations and Laos. The president also underscored the importance of the ambassadors acting as bridges to foster deeper ties and cooperation, ensuring mutual prosperity and growth.
Furthermore, President Thongloun highlighted the significance of the ambassadors’ roles in promoting cooperation across various sectors, particularly with this year’s Lao chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He called upon the ambassadors to lend their support and collaboration to make Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship a resounding success.
In response, each foreign diplomat expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized their commitment to furthering the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between their respective countries and Laos. They pledged to work diligently to enhance bilateral relations, fostering mutual understanding and prosperity.
The ceremony concluded on a note of optimism, with all parties reaffirming their dedication to advancing diplomatic relations and cooperation for the mutual benefit of their nations and Laos.
