Mini Marathon Marks Constitution Day and 65 Years of Lao-Chinese Diplomatic Relations

A mini marathon was held to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and China and the 35th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Acting President of the National Assembly, the Chinese Ambassador to Laos, senior government officials, and foreign diplomats participated, deepening friendship and solidarity through sports. Speaking at the event, Mr. Kongkeo Xaysongkham, Vice President of the National Assembly, said the sporting activity provided an opportunity to commemorate two important national and bilateral milestones while promoting physical fitness, friendship, and solidarity. He added that it also contributes to promoting Laos as a tourist destination and revitalizing related activities. The Mini Marathon and Fun Run also served as a charity initiative to support Lao people affected by natural disasters. Domestic and international businesses and organizations contributed financial assistance, materials, and equipment for disaster relief efforts. Mr. Kongkeo highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Laos and China, stating that the event reflected the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership and continued cooperation guided by the “Four Good” spirit and the goal of building a “strong and lasting Laos-China community with a shared future.” He noted that cooperation between the two Parties, governments, and peoples has continued to deepen, bringing practical benefits to both countries. On the 35th anniversary of the Constitution, Mr. Kongkeo said the Constitution has served as a fundamental legal basis for state governance and social administration over the past three decades. Laos has continued to develop its legal framework through the adoption of laws and other legal instruments, contributing to the development of a state governed by law and serving the interests of the people. The event brought together participants from different sectors and communities, combining sport, public solidarity, and charitable activities to commemorate the two historic milestones and strengthen friendship and cooperation between Laos and China. (KPL/VNA) A groundbreaking ceremony for the Khammouane Provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students was held in Phonesaat village, Mahaxay district, Khammouane province, central Laos, on September 18. The project is funded by a non-refundable grant from the Vietnamese Government to the Lao Government. (KPL/VNA) A delegation from Dien Bien province in northwestern Vietnam held talks with officials of Bokeo province in northern Laos on September 16 to concretize bilateral cooperation agreements, focusing on expanding tourism ties and developing cross-border travel routes connecting Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Lao PDR opened a polling station in Vientiane on September 20, 2026, allowing Russian citizens residing in or temporarily visiting Laos to participate in Russia’s elections. Laos is looking to turn its growing economic links with China and ASEAN into new opportunities for trade, investment, and regional connectivity as the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area enters a new phase under CAFTA 3.0. Laos continues to face a severe legacy of unexploded ordnance (UXO), with an estimated 80 million unexploded cluster submunitions remaining across the country decades after the Indochina War, according to the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for the UXO/AXO Sector.