Latest news with #LaoNewsAgency
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Laos, Cambodia strengthen joint efforts against transnational crime
VIENTIANE: Officials from Laos and Cambodia gathered here for the first Laos-Cambodia Prosecutors' Office Meeting on Cooperation in Combating Transnational Crime, with a particular focus on drug trafficking. The meeting took place on Tuesday (July 15) and brought together senior prosecutors from both countries to deepen cooperation, Lao News Agency reported on Wednesday. In his speech, President of the Supreme People's Prosecutor Office of Laos, Xaysana Khotphouthone (pic), said that the meeting marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral judicial cooperation, noting that it reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and aims to reinforce collaboration in criminal prosecution, particularly in the fight against transnational and drug-related crimes. Xaysana highlighted that the drug crisis has severely impacted all sectors of Lao society, from students and youth to rural communities, and warned that if left unaddressed, it could become a root cause of various crimes and a serious threat to national stability. In response, the Lao government has declared drug control a national agenda, implementing stricter policies and targeted law enforcement strategies. In 2024, authorities recorded 5,012 drug-related cases, with an additional 1,422 cases reported in the first five months of 2025. During the meeting, both countries agreed to boost cross-border coordination, improve information sharing, and invest in joint training programs. - Xinhua
The Star
02-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Lao journalists encourage green reporting for social media users
VIENTIANE: The Lao Journalists' Association has launched a green reporting training course for media managers and social media users as part of efforts to strengthen the media through the engagement of mass organisations and civil society in promoting green development in Laos. The opening ceremony was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Monday (June 30), bringing together academics, volunteers, and media professionals, according to a Lao News Agency report on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, Savankhone Razmountry (pic), president of the Lao Journalists' Association, emphasised the need for journalists and media managers to adapt to the digital era. He explained that the training aims to strengthen participants' skills in producing high-quality content on sustainable development, with a focus on reaching both local and international audiences through modern digital platforms. The training aims to help participants understand the media's role in shaping public awareness of green issues, while also enhancing their digital skills in areas such as responsible AI use, media ethics, gender representation and combating misinformation. Laos is working to promote digital literacy, responsible media practices and greater awareness of green development challenges, including climate change adaptation, workers' rights, gender equality and community development. These efforts aim to close the knowledge gap in digital and social media use, support accurate and ethical journalism and highlight the media's critical role in advancing sustainable development and green growth across the country. - Xinhua
The Star
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Lao officials hold meeting to review economic situation
VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Lao government officials have held a meeting to review the economic performance in May, Lao News Agency reported on Monday. During the monthly meeting for May, held from May 29 to May 30, it was disclosed that by the end of May, state budget revenue had reached 93 percent of the target for the first half of the year. Inflation declined from 11.1 per cent in January to 8.3 per cent in May, according to the media. -- Xinhua
Malaysian Reserve
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Official visits by Laos, Vietnam PMs to boost ASEAN unity, bilateral ties
THE upcoming official visits to Malaysia by the Prime Ministers of Laos and Vietnam are set to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reinforce ASEAN's unity ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from May 26-27. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will undertake his inaugural visit to Malaysia on May 25 at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, according to Lao News Agency (KPL). The visit also coincides with growing preparations to mark the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Laos diplomatic relations in 2026. KPL reported that Sonexay will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising six ministers, seven deputy ministers, and a business delegation. His itinerary includes an official welcoming ceremony in Putrajaya, a bilateral meeting with Anwar, and the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Thanaleng Dry Port and Penang Port to boost cross-border trade via rail and sea. Malaysia, the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, will also explore expanded cooperation in renewable energy and infrastructure. Discussions are expected to cover the Don Sahong Hydropower Plant – a major Malaysian investment – and the ASEAN Power Grid initiative. Educational and tourism exchanges, including scholarship support for Lao students, are also on the agenda. The media reported that a Malaysia-Laos Business Forum on May 27 and a visit to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will highlight the two countries' commitment to regional rail connectivity, based on their 2023 railway cooperation agreement. 'The upcoming Official Visit of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to Malaysia presents a valuable opportunity for both nations to reaffirm and elevate our shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations,' said Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Edi Irwan Mahmud, as quoted by KPL. Meanwhile, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to visit Malaysia from May 24 to 28 and participate in the ASEAN Summit and related meetings. Speaking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai said this will be Chinh's first official visit to Malaysia in his current capacity and will provide a platform to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between both countries. The visit is expected to advance cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, the Halal industry, oil and gas, and expand into emerging areas like the green economy and clean energy. It will also enhance people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Tan said the visit reflects Vietnam's strong commitment to regional peace and ASEAN solidarity. He noted that the 46th ASEAN Summit, held during a time of global uncertainty, is a critical juncture for the region as it confronts challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and strategic rivalries. The 46th ASEAN Summit, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' will bring together leaders from ASEAN member states to discuss regional issues and chart the future direction of ASEAN cooperation. As the chair and host of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia will host the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the KLCC from May 26 to 27. In conjunction with the summit, two key high-level meetings – the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit – will also take place, marking an important platform for expanded regional and inter-regional cooperation. — BERNAMA
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Official visits by Laos, Vietnam Prime Ministers to boost ASEAN unity, bilateral ties
KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming official visits to Malaysia by the Prime Ministers of Laos and Vietnam are set to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reinforce ASEAN's unity ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit, here, from May 26-27. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone will undertake his inaugural visit to Malaysia on May 25 at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, according to Lao News Agency (KPL). The visit also coincides with growing preparations to mark the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Laos diplomatic relations in 2026. KPL reported that Sonexay will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising six ministers, seven deputy ministers, and a business delegation. His itinerary includes an official welcoming ceremony in Putrajaya, a bilateral meeting with Anwar, and the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Thanaleng Dry Port and Penang Port to boost cross-border trade via rail and sea. Malaysia, the fifth-largest foreign investor in Laos, will also explore expanded cooperation in renewable energy and infrastructure. Discussions are expected to cover the Don Sahong Hydropower Plant – a major Malaysian investment – and the ASEAN Power Grid initiative. Educational and tourism exchanges, including scholarship support for Lao students, are also on the agenda. The media reported that a Malaysia-Laos Business Forum on May 27 and a visit to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will highlight the two countries' commitment to regional rail connectivity, based on their 2023 railway cooperation agreement. 'The upcoming Official Visit of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to Malaysia presents a valuable opportunity for both nations to reaffirm and elevate our shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations,' said Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Edi Irwan Mahmud, as quoted by KPL. Meanwhile, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to visit Malaysia from May 24 to 28 and participate in the ASEAN Summit and related meetings. Speaking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Tan Yang Thai said this will be Chinh's first official visit to Malaysia in his current capacity and will provide a platform to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between both countries. The visit is expected to advance cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, the Halal industry, oil and gas, and expand into emerging areas like the green economy and clean energy. It will also enhance people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Tan said the visit reflects Vietnam's strong commitment to regional peace and ASEAN solidarity. He noted that the 46th ASEAN Summit, held during a time of global uncertainty, is a critical juncture for the region as it confronts challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and strategic rivalries. The 46th ASEAN Summit, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' will bring together leaders from ASEAN member states to discuss regional issues and chart the future direction of ASEAN cooperation. As the chair and host of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia will host the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the KLCC from May 26 to 27. In conjunction with the summit, two key high-level meetings – the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit – will also take place, marking an important platform for expanded regional and inter-regional cooperation.
