UN General Assembly
2012

harmonious, thus contributing to the cause of peace and prosperity in the region and the world at large. As a member of the international community, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has done its utmost to fulfil its international obligations by pursuing a policy of cooperation with other countries based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and respect for the principles of national independence, sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, thus building an international environment conducive to national development. Over the past year, despite numerous challenges, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has continued to enjoy political stability and social order. There has been good progress in developing the national economy. That has laid a solid foundation for attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 and created conditions conducive to the country’s graduation from least developed country status by 2020. Despite those achievements, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic continues to face numerous challenges and constraints. In addition to problems resulting from the global and regional economic crises, natural calamities and the remnants of war, such