Vice President Phankham Viphavanh on Aug 23 received outgoing New Zealand Ambassador to Laos, Mr Benjamin King as he has fulfilled his diplomatic mission in Laos. 

During the cordial talks at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane Capital, Vice President Phankham Viphavanh appreciated his guest upon the completion of his diplomatic duty in Laos saying his years of hard work have significantly contributed to enhancing the friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and New Zealand.

The vice president expressed gratitude to the people and government of New Zealand for their support and assistance to the Lao PDR over the past years. This year the government of New Zealand announced to grant US$7.8 million to support the Lao government efforts in removing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the country.

In reply, the outgoing ambassador assured the vice president that he would continue to contribute to strengthening the friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and New Zealand.
On the same day, Vice President Phankham received a courtesy call from the Chairman of Japan's Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Osamitsu Yamada as the latter is on a working visit to the Lao PDR.
During the talks, Vice President Phankham expressed gratitude to the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its annual provision of US$10,000 to the Lao-Japan Human Resource Development Institute over the past 20 years. 
The vice president noted that such assistance by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry played an important role in promoting education development in the Lao PDR.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by Phouthong Sivongssa

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