The United States and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) held the 10th Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue on October 14, 2022, in Vientiane, where the two sides discussed the ever-expanding framework of cooperation.
US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel J. Kritenbrink and US Ambassador to Lao PDR Peter M. Haymond led the US delegation, while Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Bounleua Phandanouvong led the Lao delegation.
Both sides reaffirmed their intention to expand cooperation between the US and Laos in line with the Comprehensive Partnership announced during the visit of former President Obama in Vientiane in 2016.
The assistant secretary said the United States is proud to be the first international partner to provide support for COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic. He noted that the United States is working with the people and government of Laos to support their sustainable development goals, including programs to improve health, education, economic growth, agriculture, and good governance, and to examine and clear Laos of unexploded ordnance.
The two sides also discussed US concerns about global and regional developments, including the Burmese regime’s refusal to implement the ASEAN five-point consensus, Russia’s violation of international law, including the UN Charter, in its attempt to invade and annex parts of Ukraine, and respect. for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
