I am greatly honoured to sign, on behalf of the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Declaration on the Admission of the Lao PDR into the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations and the Protocol for her accession to ASEAN Agreements at this solemn ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, the beautiful Capital of Malaysia.

This is an historic event of great significance for the enhancement of the fruitful cooperative: relationships between the Lao PDR and ASEAN Member States. It is also consistent to the objectives, goals,, principles and aspirations of the Association for building a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asian Community and to the global contemporary trends. The admission of the Lao PDR as a new member of ASEAN will open her greater opportunities to further contribute to the cause for common benefits of the region and the world.

I should like to express, on behalf of the government and people of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, my profound gratitude to the governments and peoples of all ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat. friendly countries and International organizations for their invaluable support to our efforts in the preparations for membership in this prestigious Association.

In this joyful atmosphere, to wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers for honouring US With their presence to witness this ceremony and for their warmest words which are of important encouragement for us to stand firm for solidarity and cohesiveness of ASEAN.

As for the Lao PDR government, we are determined to fulfill obligations of a member state, to continue our effort in furthering cooperative relations with all Member Countries, to participate in various ASEAN activities and to actively contribute to the strengthening of the Association for the benefit of peace stability and development cooperation in the region and in the world.

Thank you for your attention.