Congressman Devin Nunes from California and Congressman Frank LoBiondo from New Jersey, both members of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Vientiane August 13 and 14.  During their stay, they met with Dr. Koukeo Akkhamounty, Member of the Standing Committee and President of the Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly, and Vice-Minister of Public Security Brigadier General Kongthong Phongvichit.  They also visited Pha That Luang to learn more about Lao history and culture.

During their visit to Vientiane, the Congressmen emphasized the growing U.S.-Lao relationship.  Cooperation between the two countries is expanding every year, including in UXO removal, the search for American personnel missing in action, nutrition, health, education, trade, and the rule-of-law.  Congressmen Nunes and LoBiondo reviewed U.S. support to Laos in preparation for its Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2016 and ways the U.S. Congress and the Lao National Assembly can exchange ideas on the roles and responsibilities of national legislatures.

During their trip to Asia, Congressmen Nunes and LoBiondo also visited Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia.