Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Lao PDR Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith today during the ASEAN-related ministerial meetings in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Secretary Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality and a shared vision of an Indo-Pacific that is "free, open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient." He expressed gratitude to Foreign Minister Saleumxay for Lao PDR serving as this year’s ASEAN chair and reaffirmed the United States’ support for implementing its theme of “Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”
The Secretary underscored the importance of strengthening the U.S.-Lao PDR Comprehensive Partnership. He further thanked the Foreign Minister for its leadership on issues impacting the region.
