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P R E S S S T A T E M E N T |
Toast
Remarks of the Honorable ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary
of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines,
on
the 30th Anniversary of the Establishmentof the Lao People’s Democratic
Republic
2
December 2005
(delivered
at the reception on 29 November 2005 at the Inter Continental Hotel, Makati
City)
Honorable
Phiane Philakone, Ambassador of Laos to the Philippines;
Our former
President, Fidel V. Ramos;
The Acting
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps;
Excellencies
of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps;
My colleagues
in government;
Distinguished
guests;
Friends.
On behalf of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Filipino people, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Laos as they celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Thirty years may be a drop in the sea of human history, but in the history of nations, it is more than enough time to define or alter the course of a nation.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s successful hosting of the 10th ASEAN Summit in November 2004 and the 38th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in July 2005 are just two events in recent history that highlight the positive transformations achieved by Laos in the short span of three decades.
Clearly, the developments in Laos reflect its resolve to work towards broad and genuine development and its readiness to assume a greater role in the region and the world. And may I mention at this point that our relations with the Laotian People goes back to Operation Brotherhood that earned the accolade of Asia and the Peoples in the region.
Our recent signing of the MOU on Technical Cooperation on Labor and Employment, and the Agreement on the Exemption from Visas for Holders of Ordinary Passports attest to the healthy and dynamic state of our bilateral relations.
I look forward to increased opportunities to further deepen our friendship for the mutual benefit of our peoples.
I am similarly delighted with our robust partnership within ASEAN. The Philippines is eager to see Laos take on an even more active role in charting the future course of the region, especially in the realization of a harmonious and thriving ASEAN Community.
On this note, Excellencies, friends, ladies and gentlemen, may I now invite you to join me in a toast:
To the good health and continued success of His Excellency President Khamtay Siphandone and Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachith;
To the lasting peace and prosperity of the people of Laos; and
To the
enduring ties of friendship between the Philippines and Laos.
Mabuhay!
END