Australian Ambassador Megan Jones pays a farewell courtesy visit to Assoc. Prof. Dr Thongsalith Mangnomek on October 28.

Laos, Australia reaffirm commitment to stronger ties

Senior Lao leaders and Australia’s ambassador reaffirmed their support for continued cooperation in education, media, health, human resource development and trade during three high-level farewell meetings.
The talks took place between October 28 and November 4, when Australian Ambassador to Laos Ms Megan Jones met three senior Lao leaders ahead of the conclusion of her diplomatic posting.
The meetings reviewed achievements in bilateral relations and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation under the Laos-Australia Comprehensive Partnership established in 2024.
On October 28, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, Assoc. Prof. Dr Thongsalith Mangnomek, met Ambassador Jones to discuss education reform, teacher training and broader development cooperation.
Mr Thongsalith thanked Australia for its continued support for education, particularly through the Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR programme, which aims to improve teaching and learning standards.
He highlighted progress made in teacher training, Lao-language education for children in remote areas, and the production of new educational materials.
Ambassador Jones reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting education and human resource development, including through scholarships and English-language training for government officials.
The discussions also covered cooperation in public health, including Australian-supported programmes to combat mosquito-borne diseases and improve access to HPV vaccination, which can help prevent cervical cancer.
On November 3, Ambassador Jones met the Head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Committee, Ms Sisay Leudethmounsone, to discuss stronger government capacity, English-language training and leadership development.
According to information from the Australian side published by the Lao News Agency, Australia is supporting a revised English-language curriculum for Lao government officials in cooperation with the National Academy of Politics and Public Administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Through the Laos-Australia Institute, Australia is also supporting short courses, study tours and leadership development programmes, including opportunities for women in leadership positions.
Ms Sisay welcomed the support and identified English-language training, public servant development and institutional exchanges as priorities for future cooperation.
On November 4, Ambassador Jones met the Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, Mr Khamphan Pheuyavong, to discuss closer media cooperation and professional exchanges.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is working to strengthen cooperation with Lao media organisations through content sharing and professional training.
Australia has also supported digital journalism programmes, workshops on artificial intelligence and media business sustainability, and study tours for Lao media leaders.
Both sides discussed further opportunities to strengthen cooperation in media, human resource development, trade and investment.
The meetings reflect the longstanding friendship between Laos and Australia, with both countries looking to build on existing achievements and maintain close cooperation in the years ahead.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update November 10, 2026)