A creative evening celebrating modern Russian literature took place on Thursday, supported by the Russian Embassy to Laos and the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Vientiane. During the event, a library featuring works by both classic and contemporary authors was donated to the Russian House in Vientiane. The event was attended by Russian Ambassador to Laos Vladimir A. Kalinin, Head of the Russian Center for Science and Culture Alexander V. Radkov, representatives from the Solzhenitsyn House of Russian Abroad Elena V. Krivova and Elina M. Bresler, and Nadezhda A. Eremenko from the Association of Unions of Writers and Publishers of Russia. Writers Elena S. Kholmogorova and Gayane L. Stepanyan, as well as poet and musician Natalya V. Gorlenko, were also present. Highlighting the enduring importance of printed books, Alexander V. Radkov said, “Our library will certainly be popular among students at the Lao National University, cadets of the military academy, and our compatriots living in Laos.” The evening featured discussions with writers on modern Russian literature and insights into their works and publishing trends. Guests also enjoyed performances of original songs set to works of Russian poets.

The Governor of Savannakhet province, Mr Bounchom Ubonpaseuth and his officials visit workers at an indigenous medicine factory in Champhon district. Established in 2010, the factory supports research in the production of high-quality medicine for use in treatments. --Photo Lao National Radio

Vice-Minister of Justice of China, Wang Zhenjiang, visits Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Ms Chansouk Sengphachanh in Vientiane last week, during a working visit to Laos by Mr Wang and a delegation of senior Chinese officials from November 20-23, to bolster ties between Laos and China in the justice sector.

Lao officials and representatives from Vietnam, Malaysia and China participated in the Overseas Ministerial Workshop on Capacity Enhancement of High-end Think Tanks of ASEAN countries. The closing ceremony for the two-week workshop was held at Qube Hotel in Vientiane on Friday. This ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director of the General Office of the Chinese-Laos Cooperation Committee, Mr Khampheng Latmany, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Laos, Mr Shen Mingda, and the Director of the China-Aid Training Faculty of the Hunan International Business Vocational College, Ms Zhang Shuang. The workshop is considered a platform that opens up the exchange and promotion of cooperation in intelligence between ASEAN and China. Through the workshop, the participants were able to bring the lessons, technical techniques and knowledge that they have collected for use in the actual work in the field in the most effective way.