"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."