Mr. Chairman,
Your Royal Highnesses,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

            At the outset, allow me to express, on behalf of the Lao delegation, my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Chuan Leekpai, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, for his meaningful Opening address contained with an important vision on our region of Southeast Asia. I would also like to convey our profound thanks to the Thai government and people for the warm hospitality accorded to our delegation and for the excellent arrangement of this meeting.

            I wish to congratulate Mr. Chairman for actively presiding over the ASEAN affairs in the past year. And together with you and other ASEAN colleagues, I will contribute to making this meeting a brilliant success.

            Allow me to extend, hereby, my cordial welcome to the Honourable Sir John R. Kaputin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea who is attending the 33rd AMM opening session as special observer of our Association.


Mr. Chairman,

            Cooperation for peace and development has become a dominant trend of the world at the threshold of the New Millennium. In general, interactions among the major powers are being upgraded to a high level which constitute a factor strengthening their mutual understanding and trust.

            Particularly in East Asia, the continued ASEAN+3 Summit Meeting has produced progress in the implementation of the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation. This process would gradually move toward cooperation in tapping enormous latent potential for the prosperity of this important region of the world. The ASEAN+3 Meeting of Economic Ministers (AEM+3) held in Myanmar, the ASEAN+3 Meeting of Ministers of Finance in Thailand, The ASEAN+3 Meeting of Finance and Central Bank Deputies have proved of the tangible result of the follow-up of the Joint Statement.

            An outstanding event in East Asia which is highly valued by the international community is the historical Summit between the leaders of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) that has laid down the basic principles for pursuing peace, stability and peaceful reunification of Korea.

            At the same time, Southeast Asian Nations have been focusing their attention to following up the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA) which serves as an impetus to strengthen economic recovery in the region and the harmony among the ASEAN member countries. The initial success of significance attest our ability to adapt to globalization in conformity with the specificity of our region. It is also corresponding to ASEAN member countries’ aspiration to advance and integrate their economies pursuant to the values and basic principles of ASEAN.

            It is gratifying for us to note that since its birth, the ASEAN Regional Forum with ASEAN as driving force has met a wide range of international concerns, primarily in reinforcing mutual confidence and seeking ways to address transnational crimes.


Mr. Chairman,

            The Lao PDR is also pleased to see the growing cooperative relationship of mutual benefit between ASEAN and its dialogue partners. Along with the increased ASEAN+3 processes, the ASEAN-EU  relations have achieved a new step. The most prominent is the decision to convene the 13th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in Vientiane later this year which demonstrates the political will of the two regional groupings to reinvigorate their constructive cooperation in the new century. The Lao PDR will continue to cooperate with the Republic of France, current EU President for the meeting to be brought to a brilliant success.

Mr. Chairman,

            For the span of the past three years since it joined ASEAN, the Lao PDR has learned the history of development and splendid experiences of ASEAN, among them are the essential and dicisive spirit of unity in diversity and the guiding principle of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of one another, be it within the framework of bilateral cooperation or that of ASEAN. These are the strength for ASEAN to overcome many turbulences such as the economic and financial crisis to date.

            As a member of ASEAN, the Lao PDR will  further intensify cooperation with other fellow members. We consider that the building a strong and thriving nation of our own contributes significantly to the common cause of our Association as stipulated in the ASEAN Vision 2020.

Thank You.