Category: Politics

Vientiane: (KPL) On 28 August 2026, the Institute of Foreign Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Embassy of India to the Lao PDR, jointly organised a lecture under the theme: “Lao PDR and India at 70: From Development Partnership to Comprehensive Partnership”. This lecture was one of the activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and India (2 February 1956 -2026) and was held on the occasion of the official visit and working trip to the Lao PDR by Mr Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India.

According to Lao News Agency, the event was attended by more than 60 participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, and various related ministries. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr Maythong Thammavongsa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who expressed appreciation and high regard for the long-standing traditional relations between the two countries, which are built upon a foundation of cooperation and fine friendship.

Following the opening remarks, participants listened to a lecture delivered by Mr Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs of India. He reviewed and highly evaluated the achievements of bilateral cooperation over the past 70 years, characterising the relationship as one of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation. This is reflected in the successes and outcomes of bilateral cooperation across various fields, notably human resource capacity building, the preservation and continuation of fine cultural and religious traditions, and active participation in regional and international multilateral frameworks-including ASEAN and the United Nations-especially amidst the rapidly changing, complex, and unpredictable regional and international landscape.

Over the past 70 years, Laos and India have established and maintained diplomatic relations rooted in tradition up to the present day, with bilateral ties continuously expanding, developing, and yielding concrete results. Looking ahead, both sides have expressed their joint commitment to elevating their cooperation from a development partnership to a comprehensive partnership. This lecture serves as an important milestone in evaluating past bilateral relations as well as future cooperation directions, contributing significantly to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Lao-Indian diplomatic relations while providing valuable information and insights to all participants.

Vientiane: UNICEF’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, engaged in crucial discussions with senior government officials in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) this week, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in children as the nation approaches its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November.

According to Lao News Agency, the visit underscored UNICEF’s longstanding partnership with the Lao PDR, spanning over fifty years, with a focus on safeguarding achievements for children and ensuring they continue to benefit amidst the country’s developmental advancements. Mr. Wijesekera met with Mrs. Aly Vongnobountham, President of the Lao Women’s Union, to discuss the Union’s role in the upcoming Country Programme (2027-2031), which includes initiatives on immunization, parenting support, and adolescent wellbeing, alongside a shared commitment to advancing women’s and children’s rights in Lao PDR.

The forthcoming Country Programme aligns with the Government’s 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, concentrating on four key areas: the initial 1,000 days of life, learning and skills, adolescent empowerment and inclusion, and ensuring a safe and clean environment for children. Mr. Wijesekera also engaged with Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2027-2031) and Lao PDR’s involvement with UNICEF’s Executive Board.

In discussions with Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham, Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Wijesekera focused on maintaining public investment in children as the nation prepares for LDC graduation. Despite reducing national poverty from 18.3 percent in 2019 to 15 percent in 2025, child poverty remains a significant issue, with 22.9 percent of children under five living in nationally poor households.

“The Lao PDR has made real progress in reducing poverty,” Mr. Wijesekera stated. “What matters now is making sure every child shares in it, including the very youngest. Sustained investment in children, through this transition and beyond, is what is now needed. UNICEF will continue to support the Government to help protect and build on the gains made for children.”

During his visit, Mr. Wijesekera also interacted with young members of UNICEF’s Youth Advocate Network, whose initiatives include preventing child marriage, promoting climate action, and enhancing digital skills. Additionally, he observed health support services for children and mothers at a local hospital.

Vientiane: The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos hosted a banquet in Vientiane on August 28 to mark the 81st anniversary of the success of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945-2026) and the National Day of Vietnam (September 2, 1945-2026). Lao officials attending the event included Vilay Lakhamphong, Politburo Member and Standing Member of the Secretariat of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee; Khamphan Pheuiyavong, Politburo Member and Head of the LPRP Central Committee’s Propaganda and Training Commission; and Phet Phomphiphak, Politburo Member, Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, and Head of the LPRP Central Committee Office; alongside leaders from various agencies of the LPRP, the State, the Lao Front for National Construction, mass associations, and localities of Laos.

According to Lao News Agency, the ceremony also saw the presence of heads of the Embassy and representative missions of Vietnam, representatives of the Vietnamese community in Laos, together with ambassadors, charg©s d’affaires, heads of international organisations, and defence attach©s from several countries in Laos.

Addressing the reception, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam reviewed the glorious 81-year path of Vietnam since President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam – now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This event ushered in a new era in the nation’s history: an era of independence, freedom, and self-determination, where national independence is closely linked with socialism.

He emphasised that over the past 81 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people have stayed united and resiliently overcome all hardships and challenges to firmly safeguard national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

At the same time, Vietnam has pursued the Doi Moi (Renewal) process and achieved historic milestones. From an underdeveloped economy, it has emerged as the world’s 32nd largest economy, ranking among the top 20 globally in trade and foreign direct investment attraction. It has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries and territories, including strategic partnerships and comprehensive partnerships with 45 countries, encompassing all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Highlighting the country’s major breakthroughs made in 2025 and 2026, he underscored 2025 as a major landmark in Vietnam’s public administrative reform, characterised by the execution of its largest-ever apparatus streamlining and the launch of the two-tier local administration model. This laid a critical foundation for national governance reform, administrative decentralisation, delegation of authority, and sustainable development in the new era.

In early 2026, Vietnam successfully organised the 14th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly. The congress set strategic visions, mindsets, and policies to propel the country steadily into a new era: striving to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030 – the centenary of the CPV, and a high-income developed socialist-oriented country by 2045, when Vietnam marks its 100th anniversary, Tam noted.

The ambassador underlined that Vietnam-Laos political ties have grown increasingly close and trustworthy, serving as the core anchor for overall relations. Meanwhile, defence, security, and diplomatic cooperation have deepened as solid pillars, helping maintain political stability and social order in both countries while elevating their regional and international standing.

Economic cooperation has experienced major breakthroughs, with Vietnam remaining one of the largest investors and trade partners in Laos. Furthermore, collaboration in education, training, human resources development, and culture continues to be prioritised by both sides, he added.

Stressing the special bilateral relationship, founded by President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong and painstakingly nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens of both nations, Tam said this bond has become a vital, exemplary, loyal, and pure relationship rare in international relations. It is a key factor guaranteeing success for each nation’s revolutionary cause, an invaluable shared asset, and a powerful resource for national construction and defence in both countries.

He expressed confidence that Vietnam and Laos will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder to gain even greater attainments in the Doi Moi process and jointly advance toward socialism.

On this occasion, on behalf of the Party, State, and People of Vietnam, Tam extended sincere thanks and deep gratitude to the LPRP, the State, and the people of Laos for their steadfast solidarity and support. He also thanked countries and international friends worldwide for their continued support to Vietnam, as well as their contributions to Vietnam-Laos ties.

Vientiane: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anouparb Vongnorkeo received Xu Wenguang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province, during his official visit to Laos on August 28, 2026.

According to Lao News Agency, Anouparb welcomed the delegation and emphasized the significance of implementing the outcomes of the June 2026 state visit to China by Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. He underscored the longstanding friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Laos and China, expressing gratitude for China’s ongoing support and assistance to Laos.

During the meeting, both parties acknowledged the increasing cooperation in trade, investment, and other sectors. They agreed to establish a coordination mechanism to facilitate exchanges and cooperation between Laos and Zhejiang. Priority areas identified for collaboration include environmental protection, agriculture, human resourc
e development, technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.

Xu Wenguang provided the Lao side with insights into the outcomes of the Laos-Zhejiang Economic and Trade Cooperation Seminar and discussed Zhejiang’s socio-economic development, highlighting opportunities for expanded bilateral cooperation.

Hanoi: The mid-year meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee on the implementation of the 2026 cooperation plan was held in Da Nang city on August 27. Vietnamese Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee Ngo Van Tuan and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane, who is also Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, co-chaired the event.

According to Lao News Agency, the meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the 2026 cooperation plan over the past eight months, assessing achievements and challenges, and agreeing on key priorities for the remainder of the year. The implementation has largely achieved its goals, supporting political stability, socio-economic development, national defence and security, and strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

The countries have maintained regular exchanges, consultations, and close coordination at regional and international forums. Defence and security cooperation has been strengthened, with both sides working to implement signed agreements, contributing to peace and stability along the Vietnam-Laos border.

Economic and investment cooperation has seen significant progress. In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnamese businesses registered 20 investment projects in Laos with a total capital of 638.3 million USD, a 4.2-fold increase year-on-year. Laos remains Vietnam’s largest overseas investment destination, with 300 projects worth 7.04 billion USD. Bilateral trade reached 1.3 billion USD in the first half of the year.

The collaboration in energy, transport, construction, and infrastructure connectivity continues to advance, including major projects and strategic links between the two countries. Education, training, and human resources development remain prominent in bilateral cooperation, with the Vietnamese Government offering 1,300 scholarships for Lao students in 2026.

Vietnam has allocated 1.12 trillion VND (43 million USD) in aid to Laos for 2026 as part of a 10 trillion VND aid package for 2026-2030 to support programmes and the training of Lao officials and students. Seven projects are currently underway and are mostly on schedule.

For the rest of 2026, both sides agreed to maintain strong political and diplomatic coordination and effectively implement high-level agreements and the bilateral 2026 cooperation plan. They aim to boost economic connectivity, enhance complementarity between the Vietnamese and Lao economies, and strengthen links with Cambodia.

The countries will encourage more Vietnamese investment in sectors where Laos has strong potential, increase dialogue to address business challenges, and promote trade and energy cooperation. Education, training, and human resources development will remain a priority, focusing on training strategic and promising young officials.

Vietnam and Laos also agreed to improve the effectiveness of Vietnamese aid by strengthening project inspection and monitoring, ensuring progress and quality, and exploring ways to combine aid with other funding sources for impactful projects supporting Laos’ socio-economic development.

The committee chairmen agreed to direct relevant agencies to maintain close coordination, accelerate task performance, and resolve bottlenecks affecting key projects that are behind schedule. The countries are also preparing for major milestones in 2027, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

Hanoi: President Thongloun Sisoulith will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus (SCO Plus) Dialogue Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 1, 2026, according to an official announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.

According to Lao News Agency, following the summit, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President Thongloun Sisoulith will lead a high-level Lao delegation on an official visit to Kazakhstan from September 3 to 4, 2026.

This visit aims to further strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Hanoi: Singapore has reaffirmed its enduring ties with Laos, celebrating both its 61st National Day and the 25th anniversary of bilateral development cooperation with the Lao PDR. Speaking at a commemorative reception in Vientiane on 27 August 2026, Singapore’s Ambassador to Laos, Ong Siew Gay, highlighted the milestone as a testament to the deep, longstanding friendship between the two nations.

According to Lao News Agency, the event was attended by high-level dignitaries, including National Assembly Vice President Vilayvong Bouddakham, Minister of Technology and Communications Santisouk Simmalavong, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, and alumni of Singaporean training programmes. Ambassador Ong reflected on Singapore’s journey since gaining independence on 9 August 1965 under volatile regional and domestic conditions, noting the transformation into a global hub for aviation, maritime trade, logistics, and finance.

Ambassador Ong emphasized that Singapore must continually adapt and innovate to remain relevant and ensure its long-term future. He highlighted the evolution of Southeast Asia into a unified community through ASEAN and stressed the importance of deepening integration, strengthening external partnerships, and upholding a rules-based regional order.

The partnership between Singapore and Laos began in earnest in 2001, marked by the rollout of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) and the opening of the Laos-Singapore Cooperation Centre in Vientiane. Ambassador Ong pointed out that human resource development is the cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, with nearly 18,000 public servants from Laos having participated in development courses under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP).

The reception concluded with a shared commitment from both countries to build on this 25-year foundation, deepening collaboration and mutual support in the years ahead.

Hanoi: On August 27, 2026, Mrs. Khamphao Ernthavanh, Ambassador of the Lao PDR to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, led a delegation to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam to extend congratulations on the 81st National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – 2026). They were warmly welcomed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong and other ministry officials.

According to Lao News Agency, during the meeting, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh praised the achievements attained by the Party, State, and people of Vietnam over the past 81 years. She expressed gratitude to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its continuous support and role as a bridge between the Lao Embassy and relevant Vietnamese agencies. This cooperation has nurtured the friendship, solidarity, and partnership between the two Parties, States, and peoples, particularly between the Lao Embassy and the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She concluded by wishing the leadership and staff of the ministry health, happiness, and success in their duties.

In response, Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong welcomed the Lao delegation. He expressed gratitude for their visit and thanked the high-ranking Party and State leaders of the Lao PDR for sending congratulatory messages to their Vietnamese counterparts. He noted that these gestures reflect the cultivation of the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, bonds that have stood the test of time through both the national liberation struggle and current nation-building efforts, creating an alliance unique in the world.

Additionally, to mark Vietnam’s 81st National Day, high-ranking leaders of the Lao PDR sent congratulatory flower baskets to their Vietnamese counterparts. The leaders included General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Acting President of the National Assembly Sounthone Xayachack, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

Hanoi: Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Politburo Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, sent a message of sympathy to Mr. Li Qiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, following a disaster in the Xizang Autonomous Region on August 26, 2026.

According to Lao News Agency, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed deep sadness over the incident, which caused loss of life and property, damaged infrastructure, and left a number of people missing. On behalf of the Party, Government, and people of Laos, as well as in his own name, he conveyed deepest sympathy and condolences to the Chinese Party, Government, and people, particularly the families of those affected by the disaster in Xizang.

Prime Minister Sonexay expressed confidence that under the leadership and guidance of the central authorities, and with close attention and support from authorities at all levels, China will overcome the difficulties and restore normal conditions as soon as possible. On the same day, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, also sent a message of sympathy to his Chinese counterpart.