Veteran Lao diplomat named Asean special envoy to Myanmar

Laos has appointed a veteran diplomat as the ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar ahead of the ASEAN foreign ministerial retreat in Luang Prabang later this month, according to an informed diplomatic source.

Alounkeo Kittikhoun, a former minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, has been named the ASEAN special envoy to the Chair on Myanmar by Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. The Lao Foreign Ministry has informed its ASEAN colleagues about the new ASEAN envoy, who assumed the duty on January 1.

Previously, Alounkeo also served as the Lao envoy to the United Nations. His appointment comes as the incoming Lao chair hosts its first ministerial retreat to discuss its proposed agenda and key deliverables. The retreat will take place in the old capital of Luang Prabang on January 28-29.

The quick appointment of the ASEAN special envoy to the chair on Myanmar indicates the seriousness of…