Vientiane:Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith was visited by a delegation of ASEAN ambassadors to the Lao PDR on October 16, 2026, who congratulated him on his recent election as Prime Minister.

According to Lao News Agency, Myanmar Ambassador to the Lao PDR U Aung Ko, representing the ASEAN ambassadors as Chair of the ASEAN Consultative Meeting, conveyed their congratulations and expressed confidence in Mr. Saleumxay's leadership to advance national development and improve the livelihoods of the people.

Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed gratitude for the congratulations and acknowledged the ongoing cooperation and support from ASEAN for Laos. He praised the ASEAN Consultative Meeting for enhancing communication and coordination to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral relations among ASEAN member states and the Lao PDR.

He reiterated that ASEAN is a cornerstone of Laos' foreign policy and a crucial regional platform for promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development. The Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to implementing the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030 and pursuing economic self-reliance to support the country's graduation from least developed country status.

Additionally, he congratulated the Philippines on its ASEAN Chairmanship and expressed his intention to attend the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila from November 15-17, 2026. Laos also assured its readiness to cooperate with and support Singapore as it prepares to take on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027.