Ambassador Phanthong at his farewell party at the Lao Embassy, 30 Dec. 2006(photos by Ouane Phonseya)

In this last part of an exclusive interview with VOA-Lao Service before leaving his post, former Lao PDR ambassador to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Mr. Phanthong Phommahaxay, called for increased cooperation between his country and the U.S.

He said the Lao government has always maintained good will toward the U.S. and has cooperated with the U.S. in all fields. Therefore, he would like the U.S. to provide more assistance to Laos in areas such as UXO

Mrs. Phommahaxay, Ambassador Phanthong, and guest at a Lao Embassy event.

removal, and to help raise the Lao people out of poverty by increasing its assistance in rehabilitating former opium addicts and increasing its investments in Laos.

Ambassador Phanthong also called on Lao-Americans to live in harmony and unity, and do all they can to help develop and bring prosperity to the land of their ancestors.

Listen to our Lao Diaspora report for more of Ambassador Phanthong's comments.