US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Strengthens US-Lao Ties During ASEAN Summits
Economic cooperation, emerging technologies, and unexploded ordnance clearance top the agenda
From 8 to 11 October, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Vientiane, reaffirming the United States' commitment to strengthening its comprehensive partnership with Laos. During the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, Blinken highlighted key areas of cooperation, including economic ties, advancing technologies like Artificial Intelligence, and addressing critical geopolitical issues such as the Myanmar crisis and disputes in the South China Sea.
Representing President Joe Biden, Blinken also focused on human capacity development and the ongoing effort to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO), a dangerous legacy of the Vietnam War era. The US has provided nearly USD 400 million since 1993 to aid Laos in UXO removal. Blinken emphasized the importance of upskilling Laos' youth and continuing collaboration on education and digital technologies to ensure a prosperous future.
In addition, Blinken praised Laos' leadership of ASEAN, underlining the significance of the Indo-Pacific region to the US's future. He also discussed broader regional concerns, including support for Ukraine and maintaining peace in the South China Sea.
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Representing President Joe Biden, Blinken also focused on human capacity development and the ongoing effort to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO), a dangerous legacy of the Vietnam War era. The US has provided nearly USD 400 million since 1993 to aid Laos in UXO removal. Blinken emphasized the importance of upskilling Laos' youth and continuing collaboration on education and digital technologies to ensure a prosperous future.
In addition, Blinken praised Laos' leadership of ASEAN, underlining the significance of the Indo-Pacific region to the US's future. He also discussed broader regional concerns, including support for Ukraine and maintaining peace in the South China Sea.
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