Party Central Committee Politburo member and Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong, on Thursday offers alms to monks during a traditional ceremony at the Commission’s office in Vientiane to welcome the Lao New Year BE 2568.                 --Photo Pasaxon

Party Central Committee Politburo member and Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong, his wife, and officials from various sectors under the Commission on Thursday gather for a traditional Baci ceremony to celebrate Lao New Year next week.                               --Photo Pasxon

The Russian Center of Science and Culture in Vientiane marks World Cosmonautics Day on Wednesday, recalling the day 65 years ago when Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin first entered orbit. Speaking at the event, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Laos, Sergei Zhestkii, said Russia has been and remains a leader in the exploration of the cosmic space. Cadets from the Kaysone Phomvihane Military Academy and students from the Lao National University attended the event, when films about Russia’s achievements in space were shown, along with an exhibition about the first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin.