On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my warmest wishes to all people in Laos on the 49th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR).
I commend the Lao PDR on a very successful ASEAN chairmanship — for hosting me twice, in July and October — and for the leadership it showed throughout 2024. Since the establishment of our Comprehensive Partnership in 2016, the U.S.-Lao PDR relationship has grown significantly. We are pleased to collaborate with the Lao PDR in advancing economic and development goals across many sectors, including education, public health, agriculture, and trade.
As our countries' ties continue to strengthen, we look forward to milestones in 2025 - including the 75th anniversary of the United States establishing a diplomatic presence in Laos - and in 2026, when we celebrate 10 years of the U.S.-Lao PDR Comprehensive Partnership.
With a vibrant Lao-American population that continues to enrich the United States, I am confident that our cultural and people-to-people exchanges will continue to grow, moving our bilateral relationship forward as we work together to build a more prosperous, peaceful, and secure Indo-Pacific region.
On Lao National Day, please accept our sincerest regards for a truly joyous and memorable celebration.
