McCollum Remarks at the Lao Embassy in Celebration of the 40th Founding Anniversary of the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Good evening.

Ambassador Sayavongs and Madam Sayavongs, I am honored to be with you tonight to celebrate sixty years of diplomatic relations between our countries, as well as the fortieth anniversary of the Lao PDR.

My relationship with the people of Laos is very special and I strongly support strengthening our bilateral relations.

My home is Minnesota. In my congressional district, I represent tens of thousands of Hmong and Lao-Americans who call Laos their ancestral home. They have family in Laos. Their traditions come from Laos. And, they care deeply about the future of Laos.

More than anyone, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Chao Lee who has been on my congressional staff since 2001, for guiding me and advising me. He is with us tonight and I would like to thank him for his work on behalf of U.S.-Lao relations.

Over my fifteen years serving in Congress I have taken many steps to strengthen this relationship. I was a supporter of normalized trade relations with Laos at a time when many people were fighting about the past rather than working to build a new future.

I have always supported increased U.S. funding for UXO clean – a terrible legacy of war that harms the Lao people. And, in 2006, I had the pleasure of celebrating a very special Christmas in Vientiane during a visit to your beautiful country.

Ambassador, I am committed to working with you to strengthen our future together. We will work as partners to address issues important to both our countries – economic development, increased trade, and access GSP, as well as improving human rights and human development to ensure that all Lao people, including women and girls, are free to live full, productive lives.

Ambassador, I wish your government much success as Laos chairs ASEAN next year.

I know the Obama Administration will work as a partner to ensure next year’s ASEAN Summit is a success and they will have my full support.

Again, congratulations Mr. Ambassador on your country’s 40 years.

Thank you.