Laos to Showcase UXO Clearance Efforts to International Delegates in Luang Prabang

Laos is set to host an international delegation for a field visit to Luang Prabang Province on September 13, 2026, a day before the official opening of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM) in Vientiane. The visit aims to provide delegates with firsthand exposure to the impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and ongoing clearance efforts. Anoupharb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the field trip would offer international delegates an opportunity to observe the reality of UXO impact, clearance activities, and the challenges faced by communities affected by cluster munitions. Luang Prabang was chosen as the destination due to its continuous progress in UXO clearance and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage city with rich cultural and historical traditions. Approximately 250 delegates are expected to participate in the visit, traveling from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via the Lao-China high-speed railway. They will then visit the UXO Visitor Centre before proceeding to a field clearance site. Deputy Minister Vongnorkeo highlighted the high-speed railway as not only a convenient and safe mode of transport but also an experience of Laos' infrastructure development. Contingency plans are in place for unfavorable weather, including alternative locations and activities related to UXO clearance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated closely with central and local authorities to ensure smooth arrangements for transportation, reception, and overall safety and order during the visit. Deputy Minister Vongnorkeo expressed hope that witnessing the clearance operations and their impact would foster a deeper understanding among delegates regarding the humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions and the dedication of Lao clearance personnel. He extended an invitation for delegates to witness Laos' progress in addressing UXO issues and to join global efforts towards a world free from cluster munitions. In related diplomatic activities, a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment visited Thailand to strengthen bilateral cooperation in natural resources and environmental management. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone also met with the Thai Minister of Defence to discuss border committee meetings. Furthermore, Attapeu Province held a meeting with Vietnam's Quang Ngai Province to exchange experiences and enhance foreign affairs cooperation, indicating Laos' multifaceted diplomatic engagement with its neighbors.