Embassy of the Republic of Korea
in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

ㅇThe Lao government received 3,800 tonnes of rice from the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), with contributions from China, Japan, and South Korea, to support flood-affected communities. The rice was officially handed over by Mr. Lee Dong-kyu, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Laos, to Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Phoxay Sayasone. Authorities continue to restore damaged infrastructure while many families remain in need of food and other essentials.

ㅇThe Ministry of Agriculture and Environment transferred the rice to the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare for distribution, with the World Food Programme assisting in its management as a central emergency reserve. Future distributions will be coordinated with donor countries based on Lao government requests. This donation underscores strengthened cooperation under the ASEAN+3 framework.

ㅇSince 2005, APTERR and WFP have facilitated nine rice aid operations for Laos, totaling over 8,500 tonnes. Notable donations include 1,000 tonnes from Korea in 2018 and 500 tonnes in 2019. The Lao government expressed gratitude to ASEAN+3 partners and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing regional resilience and disaster preparedness.

Source : Vientiane Times, 2025.09.18