Washington DC, 26 September 2022 (TDI): Ambassador of the United States to China, Nicholas Burns met with the Ambassador of Laos to China, Khamphao Ernthavanh.
Both Ambassadors discussed strengthening US-Laos ties and U.S. engagement with ASEAN.
Many thanks to Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh for our discussion on strengthening U.S.-Laos ties and U.S. engagement with #ASEAN. pic.twitter.com/C2Bp8D8pfR
— Ambassador Nicholas Burns (@USAmbChina) September 26, 2022
US-Laos Ties
In 1955, upon Laos’s independence from France, the United States established diplomatic ties with the country.
The US and Laos continue to expand their cooperation on a variety of issues, including health, child nutrition, education, environmental protection, and trade liberalization.
Legal reform, counter-narcotics, law enforcement cooperation, and humanitarian aid are also areas of cooperation.
The development of cooperation intensified in 2009 with the introduction of the Lower Mekong Initiative and the 2016 foundation of the U.S.-Lao Comprehensive Partnership.
It also grew with the 2020 establishment of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership. The United States and Laos are committed to a successful and sustainable future for the Mekong subregion.
US in ASEAN
In 2022, the US commemorates 45 years of partner ties with ASEAN. Since 2002, the United States has contributed more than $12.1 billion in development, economic, health, and security aid to ASEAN members.
During the same time span, the US has committed more than $1.4 billion in humanitarian assistance, including disaster relief, emergency food aid, and support for refugees in the area.
The United States and ASEAN business and trade relations are extensive. ASEAN is the fourth biggest market in the world, and the United States is ASEAN’s main source of foreign direct investment.
In 2021, U.S. goods and services trade with ASEAN was anticipated to equal $441.7 billion. More than 6,200 American businesses operate inside ASEAN, including Laos.
The United States looks forward to forging a U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, at the U.S.-ASEAN Summit in November 2022.
This extended involvement will build upon a strong partnership and drive enhanced collaboration with ASEAN, especially via expanded ministerial participation in the areas of climate, energy, transportation, and women’s empowerment.
