President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on February 27 receives the new Ambassador of the Lao PDR to the Philippines, Mr Thipphasone Sengsourya, in the presence of officials from the two countries after Mr Thipphasone presented his credentials to the Philippine President in Manila. The President congratulated the Lao Ambassador on his appointment, wished him success in the fulfilment of his duties, and expressed confidence that he would boost the strong cooperative relations between Laos and the Philippines. This includes considering potential channels for greater cooperation with the Philippines in the fields of trade, investment and tourism. The two countries established diplomatic relations on January 14, 1955, and last year celebrated the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

Potash Fertilizer Company Asia-Potash International (Laos) Limited executives on Monday deliver clothing and household supplies worth 257 million kip to the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Phosay Sayasone, for distribution to underprivileged children and their families in remote areas of the northern provinces. --Photo Pasaxon

Representatives of the Development Lottery State Enterprise give 1,652 blankets worth almost 200 million kip to Namtha district authorities in Luang Namtha province. The blankets will be shared among needy families in the district’s 16 villages. --Photo Pasaxon

Staff from the National University of Laos (NUoL) and a Vietnamese university lead a workshop aimed at young people, titled the "Mekong CoRe Youth Bootcamp”, to encourage community participation and youth adaptability to climate change in the lower Mekong region, supported by the British Embassies in Hanoi and Vientiane. The workshop is taking place at the NUOL from March 1-6. The goal is to assist 20 young researchers and scholars from Laos and Vietnam to broaden their general knowledge and communication skills and create cross-border cooperation networks to address environmental challenges such as drought, flooding and changes in the ecosystem in the lower Mekong River.                                                       --Photo Kadankao from NUOL

Organisers offer Japanese sake and other beverages during the “Taste of Japan” event hosted by the Embassy of Japan and JETRO Vientiane on February 27. The event, which took place in Vientiane, introduced Lao guests to Japan’s food culture, featuring UNESCO-recognised traditional sake brewing, Umeshu plum wine, Awamori liquor, and premium seafood products, while also promoting cultural exchange and stronger Laos-Japan ties.