Vientiane:The Laos-Thailand Friendship Association has officially appointed Hiem Phommachan as its new president. The appointment was made during a ceremony chaired by Bounleua Phandanouvong, a Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Party Committee and Head of CERP, which was attended by committee members, CERP leadership, and representatives from relevant sectors.

According to Lao News Agency, the event included a review of the association's activities over the past five years. These activities were noted for their role in strengthening friendly relations between Laos and Thailand, promoting the traditions and cultures of both nations, facilitating delegation exchanges, and securing educational and public health infrastructure assistance for Laos.

The review also identified challenges and lessons for the association's future work. During the ceremony, participants were informed of the Party Central Committee Secretariat's resolution appointing Hiem Phommachan as president. Bounleua Phandanouvong praised the outgoing executive committee for its contributions to people-to-people diplomacy and bilateral relations, highlighting the association's success in securing assistance amounting to 957.825 million kip, US$157,777, and 7.15 million baht for infrastructure development.

Bounleua encouraged the new executive committee to fulfill its responsibilities in alignment with the Party and State's policies and assigned duties, aiming to further strengthen the friendship and strategic partnership for growth and sustainable development between Laos and Thailand. The association is expected to continue promoting cooperation and closer ties between the two countries and their peoples.