The President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Mr Choummaly Sayasone, made an address at a commemoration ceremony on November 30 to mark the 32 nd anniversary of Lao National Day. “Today, together with other leaders of the Party and state of the Lao PDR, I have the great honour and pleasure of receiving members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of international organisations accredited to the Lao PDR, who are present here to extend their wishes on the 32nd founding anniversary of the Lao PDR and the forthcoming New Year 2008,” Mr Choummaly said. “On behalf of the leaders of the Party and state of the Lao PDR, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Your Excellencies, ambassadors and representatives of international organisations for the strong solidarity and friendship extended to us as well as to all Lao multi-ethnic people. “I would also like to thank His Excellency the dean of the diplomatic corps for his positive remarks about our country and people,” he said. “Over the past year, we have been firmly implementing the resolution of the 8th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the sixth five-year socio-economic development plan. As a result we have made achievements in various areas,” President Choummaly said. “In the year 2006-2007, economic growth reached 7.6 percent, per capita income was recorded at US$678 and inflation rates were lower than in previous years. The exchange rate of kip compared to other currencies is stable. Plantations of industrial crops and commercial trees are growing throughout the country. There are more permanent jobs and settled communities throughout the country, and poverty has been gradually addressed, so that the livelihoods of Lao multi-ethnic people have progressively improved.” “Foreign investment has continued to grow. Social sectors like education, culture and health have also been widely expanded, including in remote and rural areas. In general, the Lao multi-ethnic people have enjoyed enhanced solidarity and harmony, and feel confident about the prosperous future of their country, the fundamental factors that firmly ensure political stability, security and national order,” President Choummaly said. “Regarding our foreign policy, the Lao PDR has actively participated in and worked closely with the international community to promote international peace, security and effective cooperation. As a member of regional and international organisations, the Lao PDR has participated in Asean activities. We have organised a commemorative event to mark the 40 th anniversary of the establishment of Asean and the 10 - year membership of the Lao PDR,” he stated. “In addition, the Lao PDR successfully hosted the 23 rd Ministerial Meeting of Francophonie, held from November 20-21 in Vientiane . This remarkable achievement is of great significance in the broadening of cooperation between the Lao PDR and the international community and also contributes to the cause of peace, friendship and cooperation for development in the region and in the world,” President Choummaly said. “On this significant occasion, on behalf of the Lao Party, government and all Lao multi-ethnic people, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends across the world for their continued assistance, support and cooperation rendered to us. “The Lao PDR will continue to uphold the renovation policy with a view to making the country a prosperous nation, continue to pursue a foreign policy of peace and independence and stand ready to enhance friendship with all nations in the world in the interests of peace and sustainable development,” he said. “The international new year of 2008 is approaching. On this auspicious and significant occasion, may I wish all Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, good health, happiness and success in carrying your noble duties.” “Furthermore, I would also like to convey through you, ambassadors and representatives of international organisations, my warmest greetings and best wishes to your heads of states and governments and your people as well as to the heads of your agencies and all the staff of your organisations.” “May the cause for peace, friendship and cooperation for development between the nations continue to prevail,” he concluded.
By vientiane times (Latest Update December 1 , 2007)
