VIENTIANE, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Laos and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have commemorated 60 years of partnership, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development and socio-economic cooperation through strategic frameworks.
The event marking the 60th anniversary of the partnership between Laos and ADB was held here on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, ADB President Masato Kanda, and representatives from both sides, the local Pasaxon newspaper reported on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Thongsavanh highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between Laos and ADB over the past six decades, noting that ADB has played a key role in supporting the country's socio-economic development, particularly in infrastructure, investment, energy, human resource development, health, and agriculture.
He also underscored ADB's timely assistance in helping Laos address economic challenges, the impacts of COVID-19, and natural disasters.
Thongsavanh emphasized the importance of continuing ADB's Country Partnership Strategy (2024-2028) for Laos to further transform the country's economic structure.
In his speech, Kanda reaffirmed ADB's commitment to supporting the implementation of the Country Partnership Strategy (2024-2028), which aims to advance Laos' 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030) and support the country in achieving graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2026. ■
