ISLAMABAD: Representative of UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to Lao People’s Democratic Republic Nasar Hayat received Cross-of-Friendship Medal from Lao government for his contributions to country’s development.

Medal is highest civil award of Lao government that can be conferred on foreign national, according to press release. Award marks completion of Nasar Hayat’s four-and-half-year tenure as UNFAO Representative in Lao PDR, where he headed FAO programme focused on development of agriculture sector, food security and disaster resilience in country.  Laos, which borders Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam and has population of 7 million is one of least developed countries in world.  Award was presented by Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of Prime Minister of Lao PDR. Senior Lao officials from various ministries including Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Planning and Investment and Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with officials of UN agencies.  

He expressed his gratitude to government of Lao PDR for honour. “I am proud that through FAO’s support, sector of agriculture has been recognised as key driver of economic growth in Laos.  Prior to his tenure as FAO Representative in Lao PDR, Hayat served as Assistant FAO Representative in Pakistan.  

Nasar Hayat worked at United Nations Development Programme at United States Agency for International Development and at Asian Development Bank in Pakistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 29 2023

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