Travel in Laos always leaves a strong impression

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Laos, Mrs Annette Knobloch, said at a reception held at the embassy recently that she had made up her mind to travel more in Laos.
She was inspired to see much more of Laos after visiting Xayaboury province in December as a member of the Lao-German Friendship Association.

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Laos, Mrs Annette Knobloch.

Then in January she made a working visit to Khammuan province and was very impressed with its scenic splendour. This was followed in March by visits to Vangvieng and Luang Prabang with some of the embassy staff and their families.
This month she plans to travel with other ambassadors to Phongsaly and Oudomxay provinces, and then make a trip with EU partners on behalf of Team Europe to learn about the progress of development projects underway in the provinces of Vientiane and Luang Prabang from May 16-18.
“All of these visits are a great start to fulfilling my personal goals. I don’t just want to be a tourist in Laos enjoying the beautiful scenery - rather, my travels are an exposure to the reality of life, to knowing and understanding this country, and learning about the people and their culture,” the ambassador said.
In her role as ambassador, Mrs Knobloch is try to strengthen the relationship between Laos and Germany, especially at the political level.
Whether or not you work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Office of Foreign Affairs, it’s clear to everyone that strengthening relations between nations is a top priority, and something that all diplomats aim for.
Following a recent telephone conversation involving Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Bounleua Phandanouvong and German Foreign Minister Tobias Lindner, Ambassador Knobloch observed that high-level relationships are important for enhanced political exchanges.
“In this context, we agreed that a Lao delegation would travel to Germany this year. This will further grow the relationship between our two countries,” she said.
The opening of the Lao-German Friendship Centre in Vientiane on January 31 was another milestone in the development of this relationship.
To further cement ties, in Mrach, Addita Kittikhoun and Bounheng Southichak from Laos also attended the Global Media Forum 2022.
In addition, Mrs Eva Pritscher came to Vientiane last month, a specialist with DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, to assist the National University of Laos and support the professional teaching and learning of German.
Meanwhile, the appointment of a new Executive Committee of the Lao-German Friendship Association in February further strengthened bilateral ties.
As Laos and Germany mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of development cooperation, their partnership is deepening, with a greater focus on ideas and aspirations that involve working together.
In Germany, most people set their goals for the year at the start of the new calendar in January, with fervent wishes to enjoy good health perhaps, or to play more sports. In Laos, however, felicitations and expressions of hope for success are on everyone’s lips in April, when joyous celebrations herald yet another Lao New Year.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update May 10, 2022)