The Governor of Xieng Khuang province, Mr Bounchanh Sivongphanh, monks, and government officials on Monday take part in a ceremony to install the base of a district pillar being built in Phon-ngamtay village, Paek district. The pillar will be 6x6 metres wide and 16 metres high. Its construction cost of 9 billion kip is funded by members of the public. --Photo Lao National Radio

The China Media Group in Laos on Friday hosts a meeting in Vientiane titled “China in Springtime – Sharing Opportunities with the World” at the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration. The event was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Ms Fang Hong, President of the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, Mr Phouvong Ounkhamsen, and almost 400 other participants. Speaking via video link, President and Editor-in-Chief of the China Media Group, Mr Shen Haixiong, said President Xi Jinping had stressed that the door to regulation must be further opened up, and the scope of international cooperation must be continuously expanded. Members of the Lao government and the private sector discussed topics such as China’s modernisation and high-quality development, relations between the Party and the people, foreign affairs, technological developments including China’s advances in AI, and the growing ties between Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha provinces with China.

The National Regulatory Authority (NRA) Director Mr Bounpheng Sisawath and Programme Manager at COPE, Ms Metta Thippawong, last week co-chair a meeting to review unexploded ordnance clearance operations in 2024 and confirm the plan of work for 2025. Attendees included representatives from provincial UXO clearance agencies, UXO clearance organisations, and government officials. The meeting discussed data management, risk education activities, and victim assistance efforts. It evaluated the response to decisions made at last year’s review meeting, including updates on progress in UXO survey and clearance, and fundraising.

Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Ngampasong Muongmany (right), and the Austrian Ambassador to Laos, Mr Wilhelm Maximilian Donko, on Saturday shake hands after signing an Air Transport Agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation between Laos and Austria in the field of civil aviation. This will include improved connectivity and passenger and freight transport, as well as promoting tourism, trade and investment.