Laos has recognised the significant development assistance that Germany has provided, and highly values the country's ongoing help and support.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Thongloun Sisoulith acknowledged Germany's contribution to Laos on Friday at a meeting with German Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Dirk Niebel.
"The assistance from the German government is valuable and effective and has significantly contributed to development in Laos, particularly in terms of poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable development,” said Thongloun.
The visit by Niebel is the first by a high-ranking German official to Laos in the past 17 years. During discussions, the head of the German delegation briefed the deputy prime minister on development cooperation efforts, and outlined the planned achievements of the cooperation plan between Germany and Laos from 2011 to 2013.
The plan focuses on several key areas including the effective implementation of rural development projects, sustainable economic deve-lopment, vocational training, infrastructure development, human resource development, and agriculture and environmental protection.
In fiscal year 2010-2011, the German government authorised the provision of financial aid to Laos valued at more than 31 million euros (US$40.9 million) to undertake the programmes it is supporting and provide technical assistance.
Last month, the German government authorised an additional 6 million euros ($7.9 million) in development assistance to Laos, which will go towards sustainable forest use and conservation projects from 2013 to 2015.
Niebel reaffirmed the German government's commitment to providing ongoing development assis-tance to Laos, particularly towards projects relevant to achieving the aims of the 7th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the Millennium Development Goals. He also promised to encourage more German businesses to set up operations in Laos, recognising the significant investment potential that Laos offered.
Thongloun informed the German minister about the progress of preparations for the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit, which Laos will host in November.
The government briefed embassy officials and foreign diplomatic staff from various countries about the progress of preparations for the summit on Thursday, when they toured the various construction projects underway.
The German government has expressed its willingness to provide Laos with help, advice or assistance in its preparations for the summit, which is the highest level meeting the country has hosted.
