Laos, Australia celebrate Australia Day and 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations

Australia Day falls on January 26 and is the country’s official national day, while 2022 also sees the 70th anniversary on January 15 of diplomatic relations between Laos and Australia.
The Australian Embassy to Laos in cooperation with Laos’ Ministry Foreign Affairs recently celebrated these two important events at the embassy in Vientiane.
The celebration was presided over by Australian Ambassador to Laos, Mr Paul Kelly, and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith.
The event took place on February 10 and was attended by Lao and Australian officials and members of the Australian community.
Mr Kelly and Mr Saleumxay delivered speeches highlighting the long history of cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Kelly said “January 26 is Australia’s national day - Australia Day.  For Australians, it is a time to celebrate our nation and our people.”
“We celebrate the things that make us proud to be Australian. We are home to the world’s oldest living human culture - stretching back more than 60,000 years; we are one of the most successful and lively multicultural nations on earth and Australia is a modern and prosperous nation with a vibrant democracy that allows us to acknowledge, debate and face up to the challenges that confront us.”

Mr Paul Kelly, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith and other officials gather for a group photo.

“For me and my colleagues at the Australian Embassy, it’s also a time where we think about Australia’s international relations, and of course our relationship with Laos.”
“The 15th of January this year marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Australia.  This is Laos’ longest unbroken diplomatic relationship with any country.”  
“It is a compelling statement of commitment and cooperation between our two countries, and I think it’s built on a number of attributes that our countries share: we get along because we recognise in each other a friendly and easy-going nature; we also have a shared sense of pragmatism – we have a desire to solve problems and to work for solutions when challenges arise in bilateral or regional affairs; and our people have a strong sense of determination – I saw this when I visited Huaphan province soon after my arrival to understand Laos’ modern history.  Similarly, it is Australian to be optimistic in the face of hardship and to look forward.”
The ambassador said that looking back over 70 years of stories, one of the things the embassy wanted to do to celebrate this milestone anniversary was to tell the individual stories of friendship and cooperation that span 70 years.
A recurring theme comes from the value that both countries place on education.  There is a strong student alumni community between Australia and Laos that underpins the deep people-to-people links.
Thousands of Lao professionals have gained a world class education by studying at Australian universities, first under the Colombo Plan in the 1950s and more recently under Australia Awards Scholarships.
Many have returned to Laos to make significant contributions as government, business, and civil society leaders, enhancing Laos’ development.
Their experiences and enduring friendships have contributed to the strong sense of understanding and trust between the two countries.
Mr Kelly said “Our leaders and officials have also been able to draw on bonds built over many years. Some special moments include former Lao Prime Minister Khamtay Siphandone’s historic visit to Australia in 1993; and former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s visit in 2016 when Laos hosted the Asean summits; as well as the then Prime Minister, Thongloun Sisoulith’s 2018 visit to Australia to attend the meeting between Australia and Asean leaders.”
“In Vientiane, there stands a very concrete example of our friendship: the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. It was funded and built by Australia, Laos and Thailand and opened in April 1994, providing major economic benefits to the Lao people.”
“The bridge remains a symbol of the strong bonds of friendship between our three countries, and Australia’s longstanding commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.”
“Looking forward: When reflecting on an important milestone, it is usual to look back at where we have come from, but it is also important to look forward.”
“I am confident that our relationship will continue to build and strengthen. For now and the immediate future we will confront the challenge of overcoming – and recovering from – Covid-19.”
To manage the health impacts of Covid, Australia is committed to ensuring equitable access to safe and effective vaccines.
Australia has provided over one million doses of vaccine to Laos – including more than 900,000 Pfizer doses - which are being administered to adolescents and other priority groups in line with the government’s National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.
Economic recovery from the pandemic’s impact is an urgent focus for Laos and Australia, the region and the world.
Mr Kelly said “We’re working together to help Laos strengthen its economic and financial position by supporting efforts by the government to improve debt management, increase revenue collection, and to use public funds more effectively.”
Australia and Laos have both joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership which comes into effect this year as the world’s largest free trade zone.
Mr Kelly said “We expect that this trade agreement will expand economic activity in the region and create more jobs.  Australia will support Laos to integrate into regional supply chains and to enhance business competitiveness. We will support Laos’ connectivity and infrastructure priorities, including helping Laos to realise the potential of the Laos-China railway.”
“Australia will support Laos’ goals of inclusive and sustainable development and recovery from Covid-19.  We will also continue our long-standing support for Laos in primary education, human resource development, agriculture and water resource management, as well as support for gender equality, disability and social inclusion.”
As part of efforts to mark the 70th anniversary, the embassy has set up a website to share stories, including some great photos taken over the years. Visitors can connect to the website through the Australian Embassy Facebook page.
Everyone is encouraged to visit the anniversary website that the embassy has prepared, and to share their own stories or photos on the website.
The logo that was selected for the anniversary was chosen through a public design competition after being shortlisted from over 200 design applications and then receiving thousands of votes from the public. 
The winning logo shows the kangaroo of Australia and the elephant of Laos moving forward in friendship and cooperation.
Mr Paul Kelly said “As Australians celebrate our national day and look to the future, I am also confident about the future of Australia’s relationship with the Lao PDR given the strong foundations that underpin it.”
“Australia and Laos are longstanding and trusted partners. The elephant of Laos and kangaroo of Australia looking forward together. I can think of no better description of our partnership.”

By Visith Tepplath
(Latest Update February 22, 2022)