WASHINGTON, D.C. /eNewsChannels/ — The United States and Laos today at the State Department signed a comprehensive Open Skies agreement to expand and liberalize their bilateral civil aviation relationship. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Jose W. Fernandez signed for the United States. Lao Ambassador to the United States Seng Soukhathivong signed for Laos. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, witnessed the signing.
The Open Skies agreement between the United States and Laos represents a market-oriented approach to aviation relations. The agreement will facilitate trade and tourism links with Laos and provide new commercial opportunities to airlines of the United States and Laos and the traveling public, while preserving our commitments to aviation safety and security.
The United States has previously reached Open Skies agreements with nearly 100 countries.
For more information about Open Skies, visit http://www.state.gov/e/eeb/rls/fs/2009/119760.htm.
