§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy on establishing international recognition of the Laos Government; and what support his Department has provided to Laos. [60039]
§ Mr. FatchettThe United Kingdom recognises states rather than Governments. We have normal diplomatic relations with Laos. The British Ambassador to Bangkok is accredited to Vientiane and visits regularly. The UK provides a small package of bilateral assistance to Laos, concentrating on demining, health, education, and rural development.