2005 Programs and Events

Assistant Secretary Hill Discusses Human Rights Issues with Deputy Prime Minister (May 21, 2005)

Assistant Secretary Hill

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia-Pacific Christopher R. Hill visited Laos May 19-21 to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum Senior Officials Meeting. During his visit, Assistant Secretary Hill met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavad to discuss relations between the U.S. and Laos. Mr. Hill noted the improved bilateral relationship, signaled by the U.S. Congress' passage of Normal Trade Relations (NTR) for Laos last year. He congratulated the Foreign Minister on recent steps the Lao government had taken regarding religious freedom, but stressed that the government must continue on a path of respect for human rights.

Minister Somsavat responded that the Lao government understood U.S. concerns and would respect human rights and religious freedom. Assistant Secretary Hill and Minister Somsavat both noted that 2005 marked an important year in the bilateral relationship, since in August the two countries would celebrate 50 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations.