Mr Anouparb Vongnorkeo issues a statement on preparations to lead an international delegation on a field visit to Luang Prabang province.

Laos to showcase progress in UXO clearance

More than 250 international delegates will visit Luang Prabang to see firsthand the impact of unexploded ordnance and Laos’ efforts to clear the remnants of war.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Anouparb Vongnorkeo said recently the field visit forms an important part of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The visit will give delegates from around the world an opportunity to see survey and clearance work on the ground, rather than only discussing the issue in a conference setting.
The government has selected Luang Prabang province because of its strong record in carrying out UXO-related work and its importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourist attraction with rich cultural and historical value.
The field visit will take place on September 13, a day before the conference opens on September 14.
Based on preliminary registration, more than 250 delegates are expected to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by the Laos-China Railway.
Mr Anouparb said the railway provides a convenient, fast and safe way for delegates to travel while allowing them to experience Laos’ infrastructure development.
Before taking part in the field visit, delegates will visit the UXO Visitor Centre to gain a better understanding of the UXO problem and the work being done to address it.
The government has also prepared a contingency plan in case of bad weather.
Under the plan, delegates will take part in other activities and visit other sites related to UXO work if weather conditions prevent the planned field activities.
“This will ensure that every delegate has a valuable experience regardless of weather conditions,” Mr Anouparb said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has worked closely with relevant sectors at the central and provincial levels to prepare for the visit.
The preparations cover travel, hospitality and other logistical arrangements, with the organisers following a detailed plan to maintain order and safety throughout the visit.
Mr Anouparb said the field visit would help delegates gain a deeper understanding of the impact of UXO on the lives of Lao people.
“I am confident that seeing the real situation on the ground for themselves will give delegates a deep understanding of the true impact of unexploded ordnance on the lives of the Lao people, as well as of the efforts and sacrifices made by field personnel in addressing this problem,” he said.
The experience is expected to strengthen the international community’s shared commitment to humanitarian work and efforts to make communities safer from the threat of cluster munitions.
Mr Anouparb invited all delegates to join Laos in witnessing its progress in addressing the UXO problem and in working together to advance the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
“On behalf of Laos, I would like to invite all delegates to join us in bearing witness to the path of success in Laos’ work to address the problem of unexploded ordnance,” he said.
He called for continued cooperation to advance work under the Convention and help create a world that is safe from the threat of cluster munitions.
The field visit will give delegates more than an opportunity to visit one of Laos’ most important tourist destinations. It will bring them closer to communities and field teams dealing with the lasting impact of UXO, while showing how sustained clearance work can support safer development.
The Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions will take place in Vientiane, with Laos using its chairmanship to promote stronger international action on cluster munitions and UXO clearance.
Delegates will review progress made under the Convention and consider the Vientiane Capital Action Plan for 2027-2031, which will guide work over the next five years, along with a Political Declaration on wider commitments.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 11, 2026)