In an exclusive interview with VOA during his recent visit to Washington, Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, said relations between Laos and the US have improved in many areas, including regular exchange visits by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Department. Mr. Thongloun also said that military cooperation between the two countries has considerably improved, and that Laos and the US will exchange military attachés probably by the end of this year or early next year. He added that the US commander in the Pacific visits Laos every year for consultation and cooperation.
Regarding Lao Hmong refugees in Thailand, Mr. Thongloun said Lao and Thai officials have consulted each other regularly on this matter, and both armies have cooperated in the repatriation of some 1,673 Hmong back to Laos so far. He said it does not matter much if the repatriation of all the remaining Hmong refugees in Thailand could not be completed by the end of 2008. The most important thing is that both countries continue to cooperate on this matter.
837 Hmongs returned to Laos in June 2008
On Lao migrants working in Thailand, the Lao Deputy Prime Minister said registration and verification of nationality is still going on, and he urged the migrants who have not registered to do so as soon as possible because it will be in their best interests since they will be better protected.
For overseas Laotians who wish to go back to visit families in Laos, invest, set up businesses, live there permanently, or re-instate their Lao citizenship, Mr. Thongloun said his government is studying a new set of laws to help and accommodate them.
Laos map
The Deputy Prime Minister of Laos refuted rumors about the construction of China Town in Bung That Luang areas, saying it is simply a new housing project that is jointly invested by a Chinese real estate company and the Lao government to develop the area and sell the houses to any one who can afford to buy them.
Bruce the new about UXO Laos is getting old and boring. Even Anthony Bourdain talk about it on his show. But when I watch him do show on Vietnam I don't see him talking about Vietnam war and bad treatment of POW. His show about Laos was the most boring to date...because he devoted half hour of the show on it.
Bruce the new about UXO Laos is getting old and boring. Even Anthony Bourdain talk about it on his show. But when I watch him do show on Vietnam I don't see him talking about Vietnam war and bad treatment of POW. His show about Laos was the most boring to date...because he devoted half hour of the show on it.
I disagree with you on that. I think it was an eyes opening for alot of westerner and most of people don't know much about Laos. Sorry, that you find that show boring. I've seen most of Anthony shows and the one he shot in Laos was the most humble one. He realized what the american did to Laos during Vietnam War.
I think he had some fun too. The whole filming crews was so drunk while filming about lao whiskey.
you guys don't know that the Us Military never taken part of Military excercising with indochine country such as Laos, vietnam and cambodia, Yeah, they have exchanged the fire durring the vietnam war!! i might be wrong!!
i know our Lao military is like an afhanistan 's, we use the weason from 60s or 70s, especially the tank and warplane, AK47 is not working every well , my opinion just do not agree with the military exchange between the US.
do you guys know what is the purpose of US MILITARY?
You guys may have midunderstood... we just exchange attache only, in term of diplomacy, attache is not a military exercise, just a person who is incharge in military affair in each embassy...
Bruce the new about UXO Laos is getting old and boring. Even Anthony Bourdain talk about it on his show. But when I watch him do show on Vietnam I don't see him talking about Vietnam war and bad treatment of POW. His show about Laos was the most boring to date...because he devoted half hour of the show on it. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I disagree with you on that. I think it was an eyes opening for alot of westerner and most of people don't know much about Laos. Sorry, that you find that show boring. I've seen most of Anthony shows and the one he shot in Laos was the most humble one. He realized what the american did to Laos during Vietnam War.
I think he had some fun too. The whole filming crews was so drunk while filming about lao whiskey.
Nonetheless, that is what we call the beauty of democracy and civil liberty. A private citizen can freely express his or her disapproval of the government’s action whether or not is right or wrong without being arrested.
