Vientiane: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anouphab Vongnorkeo recently engaged with Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR, during a courtesy visit. The meeting was an opportunity for Mr. Burkhanov to introduce himself and offer his congratulations to the Deputy Minister on his new appointment.

According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Anouphab expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration and support from the UN to the Lao PDR. He conveyed optimism that under Mr. Burkhanov’s leadership, UN assistance would continue to align with the Lao government’s strategic goals as delineated in the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the upcoming National Development Plan. This alignment is expected to be achieved through collaborative activities and projects under the sustainable development cooperation framework between the Lao government and the UN.

The Deputy Minister advocated for the UN network in the Lao PDR to maintain its efforts in mobilizing resources to support the nation’s
development priorities. These priorities include achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adhering to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, other global developmental agendas, and the country’s aim for a gradual, high-quality, and sustainable exit from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

Mr. Burkhanov expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Minister for the cordial reception and committed to further enhancing the collaboration between the UN system and the Lao government in executing programs that promote the country’s development objectives.

He highlighted that 2025 is a significant year, celebrating both the 70th anniversary of Lao PDR’s accession to the UN and the 80th anniversary of the UN’s founding. To commemorate these milestones, the Lao government and UN agencies will jointly organize celebratory events.

The Deputy Minister reassured the UN Resident Coordinator of the Lao government’s ongoing support for UN agencies in the effective implementation of development plans and wis
hed him success in his mission.

Since mid-2023, Mr. Burkhanov has held the position of UN Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR. In this capacity, he leads and acts as the primary point of contact within the UN system to ensure the coherence and coordination of assistance programs and projects, aiming to avoid duplication and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UN support to member states.