VIENTIANE, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Laos reiterated its strong commitment to environmental protection and climate action during the observance of World Environment Day on Friday.

In his message on Friday marking the 53rd anniversary of World Environment Day and the 27th anniversary of Laos' National Environment Day, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone emphasized that the observance aims to raise awareness of the importance of environmental protection and climate action.

He noted that climate change is not a distant issue but an urgent challenge already affecting many countries, including Laos. The country remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as storms, floods, droughts and forest fires, which significantly impact socio-economic development, infrastructure, agriculture, food security and livelihoods.

The Lao government continues to prioritize climate action and has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the international community through the effective implementation of relevant policies and legislation, he said, calling for stronger cooperation from all sectors to protect forests, promote tree planting and reforestation, improve energy efficiency, reduce fossil fuel use, and expand clean and renewable energy.

As part of the observance, the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment organized a cleanup campaign across nine districts in Vientiane to promote collective responsibility for environmental protection, particularly in urban waste management, and to help create a cleaner, greener and more orderly city. ■