Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane (right) receives a farewell visit from the United States Ambassador to Laos, Ms Heather Variava.

US ambassador bids farewell, pledges continuing US-Laos ties

The United States Ambassador to Laos on Wednesday paid a farewell visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs upon completion of her diplomatic mission, when she reaffirmed continued cooperation between Laos and the US.
In reply, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s nearly two years of service, during which she helped strengthen relations between the two countries.
He highlighted the progress made in cooperation in key areas such as unexploded ordnance clearance, drug suppression, law enforcement, trade, education, public health, nutrition and culture, as well as exchange visits by various levels of government officials.
The minister also noted Ambassador Heather Variava’s role in marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 40th anniversary in 2025 of cooperation in the recovery of the remains of American service personnel missing in action.
The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Partnership between Laos and the United States, highlighting a decade of structured cooperation.
Ambassador Heather Variava thanked the Lao government and relevant sectors for their support during her tenure, which she said had contributed to the success of her work in Laos.
She expressed hope that cooperation would continue smoothly with the support of the next United States ambassador, to further strengthen bilateral relations and deliver practical results.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 16, 2026)