2004 Programs and Events

Congressman George Miller Visits the Lao, P.D.R. (April 12, 2004)

Congressman George Miller

Mr. George Miller, a member of the U.S. Congress from the San Francisco Bay area of California, visited Laos April 7-11 as part of a regional visit that also included stops in Cambodia and Vietnam.

In Laos, Congressman Miller paid calls on senior Lao officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, Luang Prabang Governor Bounheuang Douangphachanh, Vice President of the Lao National Assembly Madame Pany Yathotou, and Minister of Commerce Soulivong Daravong. During these meetings, Congressman Miller discussed how best to strengthen the U.S.- Lao relationship. Mr. Miller discussed with his Lao interlocutors the value of establishing fruitful economic relations; U.S. appreciation for the Lao cooperation on recovering the remains of Americans missing in action; and the current hardships facing Lao, as well as Hmong and other minorities, in Laos. He reaffirmed the U.S. Congress’s commitment to fostering respect for internationally recognized human rights standards, and ensuring that growing trade and investment would contribute to an improved standard of living for all Lao citizens.

In the course of his visit, Congressman Miller also traveled to Luang Prabang, where he toured the UNESCO World Heritage sites in and around the city. He was accompanied on his visit by Mrs. Cynthia Miller and Staff Director John Lawrence, as well as by Mr. Lawrence's son. From Laos, Congressman Miller and his party traveled on to Hanoi.