PH, Laos Celebrate 65 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Philippine Ambassador to Laos Belinda Ante (right) and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith (left) discuss the status of Philippines-Laos bilateral relations during the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Laos. (Laos PE photo)
VIENTIANE 17 January 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane hosted a Commemorative Dinner on 14 January 2020 at the Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane as part of the celebration of the landmark 65th Anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Laos.
Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith was the guest of honor during the event, a total of 81 officials and representatives from the Lao government, private sector, and the Filipino Community attended the event.
The event featured cultural performances by members of the Filipino community, WeFil Dancers, as well as representatives from the Lao National School for Performing Arts (LNSPA). The WeFil Dancers performed traditional Philippine folk dances Cariñosa and Bulaklakan. Meanwhile, LNSPA Director and professor Messrs. Saveng Sengaphay and Khamsaen Philavong rendered Lao traditional music while, LNSPA graduate and professional vocalist Soulinthone Keomany sang various Lao folk songs.
Philippine Ambassador to Laos Belinda Ante highlighted in her opening remarks, the various high-level exchanges of visits and meetings between Philippine and Lao officials, the robust cooperation between the Philippines and Laos in the cultural and health spheres, as well as the scholarships in the Philippines of which Lao nationals had availed. Ambassador Ante welcomed several initiatives to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries and affirmed that the Philippines will enter into the 65th year of its bilateral relations with Laos with a renewed commitment to be more in tune with the latter’s development priorities.
Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith lauded the Philippines’ role in Lao history, specifically in providing medical assistance and training to Lao nationals during “Operation Brotherhood”. He expressed his appreciation for the valuable assistance extended by the Philippines in human resources development and the ASEAN Chairmanship of Laos in 2016, and committed to further strengthen and enhance the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. END
Philippine Ambassador to Laos Belinda Ante with members of the Philippine Embassy celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Philippines-Laos Diplomatic Relations. (Laos PE photo)
The WeFil Dancers kicked off the cultural performances by dancing the Cariñosa. (Laos PE photo)
Mr. Saveng Sengaphay (left) Ms. Soulinthon Koemany (center) and Mr. Khamsaen Philavong (right) perform a Lao folk song during the commemorative dinner. (Laos PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.vientianepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/vientianepe/.