The remark was made by Lao Foreign Affairs Minister Thongloun Sisoulith at the review on the country's diplomacy achievements this year.
The 2008 diplomacy has seen Lao enhancement its relationship with Latin America, Europe and Middle Eastern countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, Egypt, Turkey, Switzerland and Kuwait.
Another significant achievement was Laos' success in hosting Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings and summits. Laos hosted the third Greater Mekong Sub-Region Summit in March and the recent Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam Summit, said Thongloun.
Thongloun said initiatives proposed by Laos to regional and international bodies were highly valued by international community and Laos was considered to be a suitable venue for important meetings in the future.
While highlighting the achievements, Thongloun also talked about challenges in the foreign affairs arena. These include ineffective coordination between the ministry and other sectors, and slow progress implementing agreements between Laos and foreign countries.
Thongloun said Lao embassies in foreign countries should do more to promote tourism and encourage foreign companies to invest in Laos. He also said there was a shortage of qualified diplomats and many foreign affairs officials had limited skills.
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