On 12 May 2026, UXO Lao National Programme Director Mr. Anousak Phongsa, together with UXO Lao team in Xiengkhuang Province, welcomed a delegation from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade , represented by Mr. Luke Kiddle, Senior Development Adviser. The delegation also included Ms. Natthanun Patcharapunchai, Development Programme Coordinator from the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, as well as representatives from UNDP Lao PDR, Mr. Rupert Leighton, Chief Technical Advisor, and the U.S. Embassy in the Lao PDR, Mr. Olivier Bauduin, UXO Programme Advisor.

The delegation visited a UXO Lao clearance site in Bie Village, Pek District, to observe ongoing field operations addressing UXO contamination. Currently, UXO Lao operations in Xiengkhuang Province are funded by the Government of New Zealand through UNDP Lao PDR.

During the field visit, Mr. Kiddle expressed his appreciation for the UXO Lao team’s dedication in undertaking this dangerous and essential work and encouraged them to continue their efforts to ensure communities can live safely, free from the threat of unexploded ordnance.

Following the field visit, the delegation visited the UXO Lao Xiengkhuang Provincial Office, where they viewed the UXO display garden (featuring inert explosive remnants) and staff accommodation facilities, which were supported by funding from the Government of New Zealand .

UXO Lao expresses its sincere gratitude to the Government of New Zealand for its ongoing support. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership and to the continuation of this valuable support in the future.