Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong greets Mr Tony Blair.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair visited Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong at the Government Office in Vientiane yesterday to discuss the relationship between the two countries.
Prime Minister Thongsing and Mr.Blair discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation in socio-economic development, trade, investment and sustainable development, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr.Blair was briefed on Laos’ progress in preparing to host the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit next month.
Prime Minister Thongsing expressed heartfelt thanks to the UK government for its stance in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation, saying he highly valued the assistance that the British government and people have offered Laos, especially in the health sector and the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) dropped during the Indochina War.
Since 1996, the UK’s contribution to the UXO sector has exceeded US$7 million, according to information supplied by the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector in the Lao PDR.
In return, Mr.Blair thanked the Lao government for the hospitality that had been extended to him and his delegation. Mr.Blair is on a tour of several countries in Asia.
On the same day, Mr.Blair also met with Minister of Planning and Investment Somdy Duangdy, who hosted a banquet dinner for him and his entourage.
Photo Credit: Vientiane Times
