Category: Politics

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.

Hanoi: On August 26, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anoupharb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, held talks with Mr. Crispi Mbandu Phanzu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Francophonie Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), during the latter’s working visit to Laos from August 25-27.

According to Lao News Agency, the two sides discussed the possibility of establishing official diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the DRC in the near future and explored potential areas for future cooperation, including within the Francophonie framework.

Mr. Anoupharb briefed the DRC delegation on Laos’ socio-economic development priorities, including strengthening infrastructure and regional connectivity, promoting rural development and poverty reduction, advancing green and environmentally friendly growth, and accelerating digital transformation. He also reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in accordance with United Nations guidelines.

Mr. Crispi Mbandu Phanzu expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and constructive discussions. He reaffirmed the DRC’s interest in establishing official diplomatic relations with Laos and strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly through the Francophonie framework.

The meeting marked an important step toward developing bilateral relations and laying the groundwork for future cooperation between Laos and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Hanoi: The Lao PDR is fully prepared to host the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in Vientiane from September 13-18, 2026, providing an important international platform to strengthen efforts to address the continuing humanitarian impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

According to Lao News Agency, the event is particularly significant for Laos, one of the countries most heavily affected by UXO as a result of past conflicts. Speaking to journalists on August 27, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the CCM meeting, highlighted Laos’ long-standing role in advancing international efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions. He noted that Laos has previously hosted a major CCM meeting in Vientiane in 2010.

‘This meeting is of great significance because the Lao PDR is one of the countries heavily affected by unexploded ordnance,’ Mr. Thongsavanh said, emphasizing that successful hosting of the meeting would help mobilize greater international support for UXO clearance and related humanitarian efforts.

The meeting will introduce the Vientiane Capital Action Plan and the second version of the Vientiane Press Statement for Laos, which are expected to contribute to greater awareness among States Parties and other stakeholders of the dangers posed by cluster munitions and the importance of preventing their use and proliferation.

Mr. Thongsavanh stressed that UXO remains a serious threat to communities in Laos, with people continuing to suffer injuries, disabilities and loss of life. He mentioned that the meeting would provide international delegates, particularly those from countries without direct experience of war-related contamination, with an opportunity to see the impact of UXO firsthand.

Delegates are expected to visit cleared areas and active UXO clearance sites to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing affected communities and the necessity of continued international assistance.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that hosting the international meeting demonstrates Laos’ commitment to peace, humanitarian action, and sustainable development. He expressed appreciation to friendly countries, international organizations, and the Lao people for their continued support. He also called on local authorities and communities to warmly welcome international delegates and use the occasion to showcase Laos’ commitment to peace, international cooperation, and friendship among nations.

Hanoi: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung spoke highly of the close and regular cooperation between Vietnamese and Lao agencies responsible for inspection, auditing, and anti-corruption while hosting Vanhxay Phongsavanh, Politburo member and Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Inspection Commission, in Hanoi on August 25.

According to Lao News Agency, PM Hung affirmed Vietnam’s prioritization of strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos. He acknowledged the positive developments in Vietnam-Lao relations, particularly the coordination between the two governments, which has facilitated the implementation of bilateral cooperation projects. Political ties have been fortified, with deepening political trust, and various sectors, including defense, security, economy, trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, have been actively promoted.

The PM emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-le
vel visits and contacts, as well as cooperation mechanisms, to effectively implement agreements reached by senior leaders. As both countries aim for new development goals, PM Hung stressed improving governance, building a clean state apparatus, strengthening discipline, and enhancing anti-corruption efforts as critical areas for sustainable socio-economic development.

PM Hung urged Vietnamese and Lao inspection, auditing, and anti-corruption agencies to implement cooperation agreements and memoranda, exchange experiences, and focus on personnel training. He highlighted the need for proactive review and updating of cooperation areas, particularly in handling cross-border corruption cases, and advocated for the application of information technology and digital transformation in inspection and auditing to enhance transparency and state management effectiveness.

PM Hung called on the LPRP Central Committee’s Inspection Commission and the Lao State Inspection Authority to continue collaborating with their Vietna
mese counterparts to fulfill cooperation tasks set by the senior leaders of both Parties and States, thereby strengthening the Vietnam-Lao relationship.

Vanhxay Phongsavanh expressed his desire for continued support from the Vietnamese Government and PM Hung for the inspection and auditing agencies of both countries to strengthen cooperation and effectively implement signed agreements.

Vientiane: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone chaired the Government’s monthly plenary meeting on August 24-25, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Vientiane, reviewing key developments in August and setting priority tasks for September.

According to Lao News Agency, budget revenue reached 72% of the annual target, while expenditure execution stood at 48% and average inflation was contained at 7.6%. The Government also maintained political stability and public order while taking action against cyber scams, drug trafficking, illegal border crossings, vehicle smuggling and other offences.

The meeting reviewed the Government’s response to floods affecting eight provinces and stressed faster recovery and infrastructure repairs.

In principle, the Cabinet approved 12 draft laws and legislative proposals for further refinement before submission to the National Assembly, covering government administration, public procurement, health insurance, social security, civil aviation, cybersecurity and other areas.

For September, priorities include strengthening border security, combating cybercrime and drugs, accelerating post-flood recovery, improving revenue collection, implementing the National Agenda on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, preparing for the new school year, and ensuring dam safety and water management.

Hanoi: On August 25, 2026, Mr. Vanhsay Phongsavanh, a prominent figure in the political landscape of Laos and a key leader in anti-corruption efforts, led a high-level Lao delegation to Vietnam for an official visit. The delegation engaged in a working session with the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam in Hanoi.

According to Lao News Agency, the Vietnamese delegation was headed by Mr. Nguyen Quoc Doan, an influential member of the Party Central Committee and Inspector-General of the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam. The discussions between the two delegations focused on critical areas such as Party and State inspection work, addressing petitions and complaints, and strategies for corruption prevention and control. Additionally, they deliberated on digital transformation, the development of inspection databases, and personnel training to enhance their cooperative efforts.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Doan emphasized the significance of the Laos-Vietnam relationship, highlighting the longstanding friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. He underscored the importance of maintaining consultation mechanisms, exchanging delegations and expert teams, and sharing experiences in inspection and anti-corruption work to strengthen bilateral ties.

Mr. Vanhsay Phongsavanh expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the strong commitment of Laos to its traditional relationship with Vietnam. He provided insights into the inspection work in Laos, further fostering understanding and collaboration between the two countries.

The meeting marked a significant milestone in enhancing practical cooperation between the State Inspection Authority of Laos and the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam, contributing to the deepening of their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

Vientiane: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conferred the Friendship Medal on Ms. Martine Thérer, outgoing Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Lao PDR, in recognition of her contributions to Laos’ development.

According to Lao News Agency, the decoration was presented on August 25, 2026, by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Anouparb Vongnorkeo on behalf of the Lao Government, marking the completion of Ms. Martine’s mission in Laos.

Appointed UNDP Resident Representative in June 2023, Ms. Martine worked closely with the Lao Government in implementing the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, preparing the 10th NSEDP and supporting the Round Table Meeting process.

Her tenure also contributed to socio-economic development, UXO clearance, and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including efforts supporting Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country status.

Ms. Martine expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffir
med UNDP’s commitment to supporting Laos’ development priorities and strengthening cooperation in the years ahead.

Vientiane: Mr. Khamphanh Pheuyavong, Politburo Member of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Party Central Committee (CIECC), has urged Luang Prabang officials to strengthen propaganda, training, and public information work while adapting to the digital era.

According to Lao News Agency, during his field visit to monitor disaster response efforts in Luang Prabang on August 24, Mr. Khamphanh met with officials of the Provincial CIECC at the provincial radio and television station. Provincial CIECC Head Mr. Thongchan Lattanapadit reported on efforts to disseminate Party and State policies, gather public opinion, and expand grassroots and media outreach.

Mr. Khamphanh praised the provincial CIECC for its efforts and called for higher-quality information work, closer monitoring of public concerns, streamlined personnel arrangements, and continued operation of local broadcasting services. He also urged officials to strengthen professional skills and promote the outcomes of the 1st National Press Congress. Mr. Khamphanh later inspected radio and television transmission facilities in Luang Prabang.