Speech

Remarks
Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation
Grant Signing, TAEC
September 12, 2008, 10:00am

Good morning. Honored guests, ladies and gentlemen. 

I am pleased to be in Luang Prabang today to sign this grant for the Traditional Arts and EthnologyCenter. This program is part of the Embassy’s assistance programs to preserve the cultural heritage of Laos.

The project will research the religious and cultural traditions of two ethnic minority groups, the Lanten and Yao. The research will be used to help the people of Laos to learn more about the history and culture of the Lao PDR.

Funding for the grant comes from the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation for similar projects around the world. I am pleased that the U.S. Embassy is able to assist in preserving the unique culture and history of Laos.

Thank you.