Vientiane: Mr. Anoupharb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the Government of the Lao PDR, received the credentials of Ms. Ayshanie Ilanka Medagangoda-Lab©, the newly appointed Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to the Lao PDR, on September 7, 2026.
According to Lao News Agency, the meeting was attended by officials from relevant departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the UNDP office in the Lao PDR. Deputy Minister Anoupharb extended a warm welcome and congratulations to Ms. Ayshanie on her new appointment. He acknowledged the productive collaboration between the Government of the Lao PDR and UNDP over the years, highlighting UNDP’s contributions to the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, the formulation of the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026-2030), and efforts in unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Deputy Minister Anoupharb emphasized that these initiatives have facilitated the Lao PDR’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. He expressed confidence in continued cooperation under Ms. Ayshanie’s leadership, focusing on the Government’s priorities outlined in the Country Programme Document for the 2027-2031 cycle.
Ms. Ayshanie thanked Deputy Minister Anoupharb and the Lao Government for their warm reception. She committed to enhancing cooperation with the Lao PDR and supporting its socio-economic development plans and key government priorities in the years ahead.