Lao Ambassador presents credentials in Budapest

H. E. Mr. Khamkheuang Bounteum, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the United Nations Office in Vienna and other international organisations, has recently presented his credentials among the historic walls of Sándor Palota to Hungarian President Pál Schmitt.

In due solemnity and dignified ceremony, Ambassador Bounteum presented to the President of Hungary the letters accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the territory of Hungary. In his remark during the handing in session, Ambassador Bounteum, reminisced the longstanding history of close friendship and cordial diplomatic relations that continued for over decades between the Southeast Asian country and Hungary, based on mutual respect and the promotion of common interests. The Lao Ambassador conveyed to Hungary’s President the warmest greetings and best wishes from the Lao State and Government leaders, and expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation as well as those of the Lao people for Hungary’s invaluable support and assistance extended towards the national development of Laos.

In response to the Ambassador’s words, President Schmitt recalled Hungary’s contributions to strengthening of the two countries’ bilateral cooperation over the last fifty years and expressed Hungary’s intention to further enhance the already existing strong relations of the two nations. On the occasion of the presentation of the letter of credence by Ambassador Bounteum, the President also commented that Laos and Hungary have an important bilateral partnership, based on shared cultural, economic and social interests to promote development and strategic partnership in Laos.

Furthermore, Ambassador Bounteum underscored that Laos has a rich history and natural resources, and diverse cultural heritage that makes it a unique country in Southeast Asia and in the world, saying that Laos’ human resources need to be further developed in order to improve its agricultural productivity and healthcare services, and to accelerate its poverty reduction.

President Schmitt also emphasized that the relationship between the two nations has always been dynamic and mutually beneficial. In the framework of Hungary’s public scholarship schemes Laos has begun sending an increasing number of its students to study in Hungary to help them develop their know-how in several fields. He added that Hungary intends to help sustain and further deepen the positive economic progress that Laos has accomplished in recent years.

The presentation of the letter of credence is a touchstone of the important partnership between the two countries. Giving excellent publicity to Laos as a major tourist destination in the Southeast Asian region and encouraging investors to consider Laos as a fertile land of endless possibilities will be two objectives to be accomplished in the not too distant future.

In addition to being officially accredited to Hungary, Ambassador Bounteum is also emotionally attached to the country, where he received his formal education at József Attila University in 1985 and still possesses an excellent command of the Hungarian language.