U.S. Senior Defense Official visits Laos to discuss increased bilateral cooperation

Brig. Gen. Richard Sim****, Principal Director for South and Southeast Asia in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, visited Vientiane, Laos from August 31-September 3 for a series of meetings with the Ministries of National Defense, Foreign Affairs, and members of the U.S. country team to highlight the growing U.S.-Laos bilateral defense relationship.

Richard Sim****, left, meets Major General Chansamone Chanyalath in Vientiane Capital.

Brig. Gen. Sim**** met Vice-Minister of National Defense, Maj. Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath, and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun.

Discussions during these meeting focused on opportunities for future cooperation in the areas of unexploded ordnance removal, military medical cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and English language training.

Throughout his visit, Brig. Gen. Sim**** underscored the U.S. Department of Defense’s continued commitment to working with the Lao People’s Army on humanitarian issues that contribute to regional peace and stability.

Brig. Gen. Sim**** will visit the Lao Foreign Affairs Institute on Friday, September 2, to meet Lao diplomats and military officers and present remarks on “U.S. Defense Engagement in Asia”.

He will also meet Director of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action, Mr. Phoukieo Chanthasomboune, to discuss implementation of a program through the NRA to provide assistance and support for the Lao People’s Army in their efforts to contribute to humanitarian UXO removal in Laos.