On Thursday 3 December 2009, Ms. Isabelle Hubert, Associate Director Training Department, Head Peace, Security and Diplomacy Unit, and Ms. Malavieng Sakonhninhom, Director General, Institute of Foreign Affairs Lao PDR met in Vientiane to exchange views on the works of both institutes and to discuss the possible collaboration between two institutes in particular in training activities for Lao diplomatic officials.   During the meeting, Ms. Malayvieng proposed UNITAR a possible cooperation with a series of workshops focusing on diplomatic skills, including negotiation, public speaking and the drafting of resolutions. She also expressed interests in other training activities such as an international law course seminar as well as an induction training functioning of UN system for Laotian interns undertaking traineeships at Laos’ missions Geneva/New York.   After long years of war and isolation, Lao PDR is now developing quickly in the area of policies and economic. Within the scope of this meeting, we are now looking forward to lead knowledge to Laotian diplomats and other beneficiaries through our training and research particularly in International Law and Multilateral Diplomacy.   Laos Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) was established in 1993 as an academic research institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which enjoys similar status to Departments of the Ministry. The Institute was set up with two main focuses: (i) to conduct strategic studies and research on foreign policies and international relations with a view to contributing to the provision of recommendations and alternatives on the formulation and implementation of Lao foreign policy aimed at promoting peace, independence, friendship and co-operation amongst the countries of the region and the world; and (ii) planning and training diplomats, government officials and private sectors at both central and provincial levels in international relations, diplomatic skills and foreign languages.   Laos IFA is also tasked with expanding co-operative relations with research and academic institutions of foreign countries with a view to developing technical and educational co-operation, exchanging information, knowledge and research findings and engaging in the Track II process. It is authorized to cooperate with the ASEAN Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) and other academic exchanges of information, knowledge and research programs.   This visit was featured in the Vientiane Times, Friday 4 December 2009, ISSUE 283, page 2