21 August 2023
Australia Delivers Humanitarian Relief Supplies for Emergency Response in Lao PDR
On Monday 21 August, H.E. Paul Kelly, Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR, handed over 13 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies to Mr Leepao Yang, Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, at Wattay International Airport.
The humanitarian relief supplies were delivered via a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft as part of IPE23, an annual Australian whole-of-government initiative – led by the Australian Defence Force – that supports defence cooperation and strengthening partnerships with countries in the region.
“Australia is pleased to support the Lao PDR to strengthen its preparedness capacity for emergency response. This delivery of relief supplies is timely as the Lao Government responds to recent monsoonal flooding in parts of the country,” said Ambassador Paul Kelly.
The humanitarian supplies, valued at AUD120,000 (LAK1.5 billion) include 180 hygiene kits, 368 kitchen kits, 800 blankets, 1,600 bed nets, and 900 sleeping mats which will benefit more than 2,000 people.
“The humanitarian supplies from the Australian Government are highly valued by the Lao Government. Having the humanitarian supplies positioned in country has enabled us to respond quickly following a disaster” said Vice Minister Leepao Yang. “The Australian humanitarian supplies provided to the Ministry in 2022 have recently been mobilised to support communities affected by the recent floods in three central provinces,” added Vice Minister Leepao Yang.
Australia is committed to supporting the Lao PDR in humanitarian and emergency response preparedness and recovery through our development cooperation program.
