Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Meets New UNDP Resident Representative

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anoupharb Vongnorkeo, representing the Government of the Lao PDR, received the credentials of Ms. Ayshanie Ilanka Medagangoda-Labé, the newly appointed Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Lao PDR, on September 7, 2026. The meeting was attended by officials from relevant departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the UNDP office in the Lao PDR. Deputy Minister Anoupharb warmly welcomed and congratulated Ms. Ayshanie on her appointment. He spoke highly of the fruitful cooperation between the Government of the Lao PDR and UNDP over the years, noting UNDP's significant contributions to the implementation of the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, formulation of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), the Round Table Meeting process, unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance, and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He noted that these efforts have supported the Lao PDR's smooth, quality and sustainable graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Looking ahead, he said cooperation would continue under the leadership of the new UNDP Resident Representative, with a focus on supporting the Government's priorities and programmes outlined in the Country Programme Document between the Government of the Lao PDR and UNDP for the 2027–2031 cycle. In response, Ms. Ayshanie expressed her sincere appreciation to Deputy Minister Anoupharb and, through him, to the Lao Government for the warm welcome. She reaffirmed her commitment to further strengthening cooperation with the Lao PDR and supporting the country's socio-economic development plans and key government priorities in the coming years. Laos, under its one-party system, is advancing socio-economic development, and collaboration with international organizations serves as a crucial means to achieve its development goals. While relations with neighboring major powers like China and Vietnam form the cornerstone of Lao diplomacy, cooperation with international organizations such as UNDP plays an indispensable role in securing diverse support in development sectors. The Lao economy relies significantly on investments in infrastructure development and tourism, and UNDP's assistance is expected to contribute to sustainable growth in these areas and the attainment of the national goal of graduating from LDC status.