Jakarta, 30 April 2025 – Ambassador Sitsangkhom Sisaketh presented his Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat today, formally commencing his tenure as Lao PDR’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN.
The credential ceremony was followed by a courtesy call, during which Secretary-General Dr. Kao congratulated Ambassador Sitsangkhom Sisaketh on his new appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to ASEAN Community-building and integration efforts. He underscored that the Ambassador’s extensive experience in ASEAN affairs would serve as a valuable asset to the work of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR).
Secretary-General Dr. Kao also commended Lao PDR for its steadfast commitment and valuable contributions to ASEAN, especially during its most recent ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. He acknowledged Lao PDR’s important role as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations for the 2024-2027 cycle, notably in efforts to strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, as well as in the finalisation of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2026-2030) and ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) by 2025.
Ambassador Sitsangkhom Sisaketh is Lao PDR’s fifth Permanent Representative to ASEAN since the CPR’s establishment in 2009. He previously served as the Deputy Director-General of ASEAN Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has played a key role in advancing ASEAN’s strategic initiatives over the years.
Secretary-General Dr. Kao reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to support Ambassador Sitsangkhom Sisaketh and the Permanent Mission of Lao PDR to ASEAN in Jakarta, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration between the CPR and the ASEAN Secretariat to achieve ASEAN’s goals and objectives, including the upcoming adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its four Strategic Plans this year./.