During 5–6 March 2026, UXO Lao welcomed a delegation from the U.S. Department of State and the White House Office of Management and Budget, led by Mr. Ethan Rinks, Program Manager for the East Asia and Pacific Portfolio at the U.S. Department of State. The delegation visited the UXO Lao Visitor Center and the new office building and also conducted a field visit to observe UXO Lao’s operational activities in Luang Prabang Province.

During the field visit, the U.S. delegation observed UXO clearance operations in Li Village and technical survey activities in Tha Li Village, Nambak District, Luang Prabang Province, in order to gain a better understanding of the progress being made in addressing the UXO problem, as well as the challenges affecting field operations.

At the site, Mr. Ethan expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment of UXO Lao staff in carrying out UXO clearance operations. He also highlighted the strong cooperation between the Lao and U.S. Governments in addressing the issue of unexploded ordnance remaining in the Lao PDR.

Currently, the U.S. Government supports UXO Lao’s operations in six provinces: Luang Prabang, Houaphan, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, and Attapeu.