Liberia’s recently accredited ambassador to Lao PDR, Dudley McKinley Thomas, has presented his Letters of Credence to President Bounnhang Vorachith, during an official ceremony at the presidential palace.
Ambassador Thomas is the first Liberian Envoy accredited to Laos since the two countries established diplomatic relations on August 12, 2016.
During the meeting, Amb. Thomas expressed the good wishes of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the health and longevity of President Vorachith, along with the prosperity and continued well being for the people of Laos.
It was communicated to President Vorachith by the ambassador that President Sirleaf hopes to develop, promote and expand a relationship with Laos, for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people.
As developing countries, Laos and Liberia both face similar challenges in providing for the health, education and the general well-being of their people and future growth.
“I believe that Liberia and Lao PDR can share experiences; we can learn from each other as both of our countries pursue the goal of sustainable development,” Ambassador Thomas stressed, identifying food security as an essential area.
“We understand that Lao PDR is self-sufficient in rice production, and is now exporting to China and other countries,” he said, adding, “Liberia’s staple diet is also rice, which the government would welcome a rapid acceleration of efforts to establish a bilateral cooperation mechanism between the two countries, which would help Liberia move from being an importer to that of becoming self-sufficient and an exporter of rice in the West Africa region in partnership with Lao PDR,” Ambassador Thomas urged.
It was highlighted that under the leadership of President Sirleaf, development of Liberia’s agriculture sector is a primary focus for the Liberian Government.
President Vorachith assured Ambassador Thomas of Laos’ support to Liberia . He also affirmed the government’s consideration of requests for aid in the areas of rice production and electricity.
President Vorachith used the meeting to extend an official invitation to President Sirleaf to visit Laos.
Photo: Liberian Observer
