REMARKS BY
HIS EXCELLENCY DATO’ THAN TAI HING
DEAN OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
OFFICIAL WISHING CEREMONY
PRESIDENTIAL PALACE "HOR KHAM"
FRIDAY, 2 DECEMBER 2016
Your Excellency Mr. Bounnhang Vorachit,
President of the Lao PDR and Madam
Your Excellency Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith
Prime Minister of the Lao PDR and Madam
Your Excellency Madam Pany Yathotou,
President of the National Assembly and Spouse
Excellencies Ministers and Vice Ministers,
Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Representatives of International Organizations and Spouses,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Sabaidee and a very good morning. At the outset, I wish to extend on behalf of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and The Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia, Their Majesties' warmest greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency, Mr. President and Madam, and the people of the Lao PDR on this auspicious occasion of the 41st Anniversary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
2. I have the honour to take this opportunity, in my capacity as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to wish Your Excellency, Mr. President and Madam, as well as to all leaders, members of the Government and citizens of the Lao PDR - "Happy 41st Anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic." And congratulations also for the successful convening of the General Election of the National Assembly that have paved the way for a smooth transition of the country’s leadership earlier this year.
3. The Diplomatic Corps is pleased to note the remarkable achievements of the Lao PDR over the past 41 years. Above all is the continued political stability in the Lao PDR that has allowed effective and successful implementation of the Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) that is currently in its 8th cycle from 2016-2020. We strongly believe that the Lao PDR will achieve the targeted objectives and strategies as the 8th NSEDP will be pursued with great vigor and determination under the guidance of the wise and visionary leadership of the country. Hence, we are confident that the direction set for the 8th NSEDP will lead to tangible progress of continuous, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, as well achieving other planned concrete outcomes, as outlined in the overall objectives of the 8th NSEDP.
4. 2016 is an eventful year for all of us in the Lao PDR. It is also a very busy and demanding year for the Lao PDR as it assumed the Chairmanship of ASEAN for the second time since it joined ASEAN. Additionally, the year 2016 is also regarded as one of the years of Lao diplomacy success, as the country had witnessed many important high-level incoming visits, undertaken by world leaders attending the ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, as well as leaders from other friendly countries undertaken State and Official Visits.
5. As a country that is strategically located, bordering with 5 important neighbouring countries, the Lao PDR is considered as an “add on destination” that is lured by its rich blend of nature, culture, traditions and rural lifestyle along with draw card destinations such as Vientiane Capital and other tourists’ resorts and historical sites, that have attracted tourists from all over the world.
6. The Diplomatic Corps noted with admiration that under the Chairmanship of the Lao PDR, ASEAN has taken significant steps in the first year of the establishment of ASEAN Community towards the realisation of ASEAN Vision 2025 under the theme “Turning Vision Into Reality For A Dynamic ASEAN Community”.
7. Notably, the Lao PDR Chairmanship is marked by the completion of two landmark documents, which are the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the IAI Work Plan III. These are two integral documents to the ASEAN 2025 Forging Ahead Together, focusing on enhancing regional connectivity and narrowing the development gap in the region. For all the resounding success that has been achieved this year, the Diplomatic Corps in Vientiane whole heartedly congratulate the Government of the Lao PDR for the excellent stewardship of ASEAN Chairmanship, particularly the hosting of the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits that were held in September 2016.
Your Excellency Mr. President and Madam Khammeuang Vorachit,
Members of the Government, Excellencies and Dear Colleagues,
8. In conclusion, I would like to underline the remarkable spirit of friendship, cooperation and solidarity between the Lao PDR and its partners that will be further developed and strengthened in the years to come. May the existing excellent relations between the friendly nations of all of us here and the Lao PDR continue to flourish for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
9. Last but not least, I have the honour, on behalf of the entire Diplomatic Corps, to wish Your Excellency, Mr. President, Madam Khammeuang Vorachit and all those present here, and all the people of the Lao PDR, the best of health, happiness and success, continued peace, progress and prosperity in the years ahead. As 2016 is drawing to an end, it gives me great pleasure to also convey our cordial greetings and best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2017.
10. Once again, Excellencies, congratulations on this auspicious occasion to mark the 41st Anniversary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Thank you, Korp Chai Lai-Lai.
***Ends***
The Embassy of Malaysia
Vientiane, Lao PDR
1 December 2016
