6th February, 2024, H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel, Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, along with a high level delegation, visited to Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) clearance site of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme (UXO Lao) in Phik Yai Village, Luang Prabang City, Luang Prabang Province.

The delegation received a warm reception from H.E. Mrs. Baikham Khattiya, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare and H.E. Mrs. Siriphone Souphanthong, Vice-Governor of Luang Prabang Province. Esteemed representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, provincial departments and UXO Lao team also welcomed the Luxembourg delegation.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on operations and achievements of UXO Lao by Deputy National Programme Director Mr. Saomany Manivong. The briefing covered the field operational processes, achievements, challenges, and the significant impact of UXO clearance efforts.

The esteemed guests observed and participated in demonstration of UXO detection and destruction techniques. Vice Prime Minister Bettle notably assisted in a controlled detonation, under careful guidance of UXO Lao operational team.

UXO Lao expresses its heartful gratitude to Vice Prime Minister Bettel and his delegation for their visit. The visit not only underlines the strong ties between the two countries but also reinforces the commitment of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to support UXO works in Lao PDR. UXO Lao looks forward to continued collaboration and hopes to welcome the delegation again in the future.