On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I convey my best wishes to the Lao people for a joyous and peaceful New Year on April 13.

Our two countries have enjoyed a profound friendship and comprehensive partnership for many years. We are facing challenging times as both of our nations, and the world, are grappling with the current pandemic. Our partnership has given us the resilience to address the global health crisis caused by COVID-19. We are pleased to have provided assistance to Laos as it works to contain the spread of COVID-19, and we will continue these efforts. Our cooperation on COVID-19 is based on many years of joint efforts in health, and our experts continue to work together every day. This collaboration is but one piece of our comprehensive partnership that includes cooperation on law enforcement, business and trade, education, nutrition, and many other areas.

Looking to the future, we reaffirm our commitment to the U.S.-Lao comprehensive partnership and to work together to deepen our friendship and increase shared prosperity and well-being for our peoples and the Indo-Pacific region.

We wish the people of Laos a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year! Sabaidii Pii Mai Lao!