50th anniversary

Official Reception Commemorates 50th Anniversary of U.S.-Lao Diplomatic Relations

Mr. Southam in the middle

Ambassador Patricia M. Haslach hosted a reception arranged by the Public Affairs Section for over 200 people to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Haslach noted that in spite of some difficult times, the bilateral relationship has remained unbroken since relations were established in 1955. She noted how passage of Normal Trade Relations in the past year will help Laos through increased employment and development, and noted that the recent visit by Deputy Secretary Zoellick enabled the two governments to discuss at a high level ways to move the relationship to a higher plane. Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsavath Boupha also spoke on the positive aspects of the relationship and of ongoing cooperation in several areas.