Ambassador's Speech

Message from U.S. Ambassador Ravic R. Huso on the Occasion of
U.S. Independence Day, July 4, 2008

On the occasion of the national day of the United States of America, I am pleased to bring greetings to the people and government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Today Americans celebrate freedom, democracy, and more than two centuries of independence. I also wish to celebrate our two nations' accomplishments in strengthening bilateral relations and building a broader foundation for cooperation. With over five hundred thousand Americans in the United States whose families come from Laos, our two peoples have much in common and share similar aspirations. 

In the past year, our two governments have taken important steps together on issues of common interest. Americans are visiting Laos in increasing numbers and more and more U.S. businesses are coming to Laos to take advantage of expanding economic opportunities. Many more Lao students are going to the United States through scholarship programs and American scholars are studying in Laos as well. Our governments are working together to build experience and capacity to fight the international threats of pandemic avian influenza, HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and the scourge of drug abuse and the illegal narcotics trade. In addition, the United States continues to be the leading donor in making the Lao people safer from unexploded ordnance. 

With the Lao government's outstanding support for this humanitarian effort, our joint teams have had great success in accounting for Americans missing since the Indochina War. In the past year, we have initiated military cooperation on disease prevention, emergency response, and strengthening English language capacity. 

As I begin my second year in Laos, I intend to sustain this spirit of cooperation and work towards our common goals of a peaceful and more prosperous future.