Vientiane, 18 February – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert arrived in this peaceful city yesterday to mark the start of her official visit to the Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic. The Secretary is the third Filipino Foreign Minister to visit this country. A warm welcome was given Secretary Albert by officials of the host government, who rolled out the red carpet for her arrival.

The Secretary’s first official activity during the visit was her call on Foreign Minister S. Lengsavad at the Maiteechit State Guesthouse. Secretary Albert conveyed to Minister Lengsavad her appreciation for the warm welcome and special attention accorded to her and the Philippine delegation.
 
“I would like to thank the government of the Lao PDR for the hospitality and excellent arrangements extended to me and my delegation for this visit,” she said.

During the meeting at the State Guesthouse, Minister Lengsavad expressed the hope that Filipino volunteers can share their expertise, particularly in the countryside. Secretary Albert proposed that the Philippines and the Lao PDR enter into arrangements with third countries to provide assistance and funding for human resource development and training programs.

 “The Philippines is prepared to assist the Lao PDR on this arrangement, where it could provide the technical expertise and support personnel, while another country provides the funds for the project. I believe that human resource development is an area where we can engage in meaningful cooperation,” Secretary Albert said.

Secretary Albert also met with the leaders of the Filipino community.  The Filipinos in the Lao PDR are mostly professionals working as consultants, engineers and teachers at international schools. Out of 200 Filipinos, about a hundred were able to register as absentee voters. Secretary Albert urged them to participate in the coming polls and “exercise their political rights, which is a privilege as citizens of the Republic.”

Later, Secretary Albert called on Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachit and congratulated him for successfully hosting the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Vientiane from 3-7 February 2004.

“Tourism is important to ASEAN because it brings people together.  Southeast Asia is one of the diverse regions of the world that can offer a lot in terms of tourism potential, but it is the gentle people of ASEAN who are the best representatives of its hospitality,” Secretary Albert said.  

The Secretary also informed the Prime Minister that the Philippines looks forward to participating in the 10th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane in November 2004 and that it supports the Vientiane Plan of Action.  To be adopted during the Summit, the Vientiane Plan of Action will focus on efforts to accelerate economic integration and promote cooperation within ASEAN and its dialogue partners.  The Philippines is taking the lead in realizing the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

At the meeting, the Secretary also commended Ambassador Cabangon-Chua for his good work in strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
 
“Our ambassador is responsive and sensitive to the needs of the Lao people. He will know what to do to help and assist your country. Ever since he came here, there has been a strong sense of consciousness of Filipinos in the Lao PDR,” Secretary Albert said.

“I am glad that Ambassador Cabangon-Chua has also given emphasis to the economic aspect of our relationship with the Lao PDR. The job of an Ambassador has changed. As diplomats, we are also expected to be good salesmen, who can develop economic relations with the host state and promote our country as a viable investment and business destination in Asia. Despite being in his Post in less than a year, Ambassador Cabangon-Chua has already developed the contacts and friendships necessary to become effective in this kind of work. I believe that this arrangement will work out for the best interests of our two countries,” she
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