Bounnhang Vorachit

"ASEAN has become an important component in the Lao PDR’s foreign policy based on the principle of peace, independence, friendship and cooperation. Since joining ASEAN in 1997, the Lao PDR has actively participated in the cooperation frameworks within ASEAN and between ASEAN and external partners as well as sub-regional cooperation frameworks related to ASEAN, all of which has made an important contribution to the socio-economic development of the Lao PDR."

"In recent years, regional and international environments have undergone rapid and complex challenges. Multifaceted security challenges have occurred in many parts of the world such as terrorism and extremism, natural disasters, climate change, migration crisis, trafficking in persons, territorial disputes and armed conflicts, among others. At the same time, although the global economy has gradually recovered, growth remains slow and fragile. Against this backdrop, there is a need for us to closely follow these developments and continue to enhance ASEAN cooperation and collaboration with the international community, including ASEAN's Dialogue Partners and other external parties in order to be able to respond to and address the said challenges in a timely manner."

"Cooperation for development has now become the major trend of our contemporary world. We have clearly witnessed that diverse forms and scope of cooperation have taken place within and among the regions thus providing a strong boost to the world economic growth."

"While the Nations are delighted to witness the many achievements resulting from development cooperation among countries and regions, humankind is faced with a number of serious threats, especially acts of terrorism. This scourge has caused great loss of innocent life and property and continued to defy the aspiration of nations to live in a peaceful, friendly and prosperous environment."