Lao Deputy PM Attends ASEAN Meetings, Discusses Human Rights, Disarmament, Energy Cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Thongsavanh Phomvihane, held a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on July 21, 2026, on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings in Manila, the Philippines. During the meetings, participants reviewed progress in implementing the SEANWFZ Plan of Action (2023–2027) at the SEANWFZ Commission Meeting. This included the work of the ASEAN Nuclear Energy Management Unit and cooperation with external partners, particularly the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Discussions also continued on the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty, focusing on efforts to encourage the five Nuclear-Weapon States—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—to sign the Protocol. Furthermore, at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), ministers commended the commission for its continued efforts to promote and protect human rights across ASEAN and for its contribution to ASEAN Community-building. Ministers encouraged AICHR to continue fulfilling its mandate and effectively implement its priority activities under the 2026–2030 Work Plan, with 2026 marking the first year of the new five-year program. The importance of ensuring tangible and effective outcomes in advancing human rights cooperation throughout the region was emphasized. Additionally, Laos and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between their supreme prosecutorial authorities, with a focus on judicial collaboration, personnel development, and combating cross-border crime. This aligns with the "great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic partnership" between the two nations. Bilateral engagements also extended to border cooperation, with Bolikhamxay Province of Laos and Bueng Kan Province of Thailand reaffirming their commitment to strengthening border cooperation and maintaining peace, stability, and shared development along the Laos-Thailand frontier. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone also met with Thailand’s Minister of Energy, Eknat Prompan, and his delegation, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. These meetings highlight Laos's emphasis on regional cooperation and strategic partnerships in its foreign policy. Discussions on human rights and security within ASEAN suggest Laos's active engagement in maintaining regional order and development. Concurrently, cooperation in the energy sector with Russia and Thailand reflects Laos's strong drive for economic development and energy security. Source: KPL Laos News