Mr. Nasar Hayat, Representative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to the Lao PDR, received a Cross-of-Friendship Medal from the Government of the Lao PDR, for his contributions to the country’s development on Monday, June 26, 2023.
The medal is the highest civil award of the Lao Government that can be bestowed upon a foreign national.
The award marks completion of Mr. Hayat’s 4.5-year tenure as a UNFAO Representative in the Lao PDR, where Mr. Hayat headed the FAO programme focused on the development of the agriculture sector, food security and disaster resilience in the country. Laos, which borders with Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam, and has a population of 7 million, is on the way to graduation from the least developed countries in 2026.
The award was presented by Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, on behalf of the Prime Minister of the Lao PDR. The ceremony was also attended by senior Lao officials from various ministries including the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the officials of the UN agencies.
“I am grateful to the Government of the Lao PDR for this honour, and accept it on behalf of FAO” noted Mr. Hayat in his acceptance speech. “I am proud that through FAO’s support, the sector of agriculture has been recognized as a key driver of economic growth in the country. I am also pleased to have played a significant role helping Lao communities to adapt to the climate change.”
Source: Lao News Agency