Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Megan Jones as Australia's next Ambassador to the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).

Laos is a close and valued partner for Australia. We share a long history of bilateral cooperation, and celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2022.

Our partnership is supported by warm people-to-people ties, and a longstanding development cooperation program focused on areas including human capacity building, education, infrastructure, climate and energy.

Our Prime Ministers' announcement of their intention to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership reflects our commitment to strengthen our close bilateral cooperation, and our shared interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Australia works closely with Laos as our ASEAN Country Coordinator, and we will continue to strongly support Lao PDR as the 2024 ASEAN Chair.

Ms Jones is a senior career officer with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Indian Ocean and South Asia Regional Branch.

She has previously served overseas in Australia's Mission to ASEAN and in China and India.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Paul Kelly for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in the Lao PDR since 2021.