New EU Ambassador Presents Credentials to the President of the Lao PDR

Vientiane, 1 October 2024 - The new Ambassador of the European Union to the Lao PDR, Mr Mark Gallagher, presented his credentials to President Thongloun Sisoulith on 30 September 2024.

President Thongloun welcomed Ambassador Gallagher to the Lao PDR, and expressed appreciation for the EU's continued support and cooperation, looking forward to the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. The President emphasised the importance of the EU's contributions to economic development and modernisation, and expressed his hope for further progress in collaboration with the EU Delegation.

Ambassador Gallagher reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the Lao PDR. He highlighted the shared goals of promoting sustainable development, fostering economic growth, and enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including education, environmental protection and governance. He pledged continued investment in ASEAN connectivity and integration through the EU's Global Gateway.

The EU Ambassador emphasised the EU's strong commitment to furthering peace and stability in Southeast Asia, and in the world. Stressing the importance which the European Union attaches to the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership, Ambassador Gallagher noted that ASEAN and the EU share a common interest in promoting the rules-based international order and ensuring effective multilateralism, as seen in their common support for the Pact for the Future at the UN General Assembly.

The European Union has been a key partner for Lao PDRin working to achieve the 2030 Agenda and its related Sustainable Development Goals, supporting initiatives in rural development, governance, and sustainable growth, while promoting human rights and regional integration. Ambassador Gallagher's appointment marks a new chapter in the EU-Lao relationship, as both parties look forward to building closer ties.

The ceremony concluded with mutual reaffirmations of goodwill between the European Union and the Lao PDR.