Laos Hosts Cluster Munitions Convention Review, Pushing for International Cooperation on UXO Clearance

On September 14, 2026, Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR and President of the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), hosted high-level foreign delegation heads at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane. The diplomatic meetings fostered an amicable and constructive environment, focusing on multilateral cooperation, humanitarian action, and advancing the core objectives of the CCM. Vietnam Meeting with Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, both sides praised Laos’s conference presidency and underscored the socio-economic impacts of unexploded ordnance (UXO). They agreed to coordinate closely on upcoming high-level reciprocal visits and preparations for the Lao-Vietnam and Vietnam-Laos Year of Solidarity and Friendship in 2027. Thailand Welcoming Mr. Saran Jarusvatanakul, Advisor to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Laos expressed profound gratitude for Thailand’s active participation and commitment to humanitarian UXO cooperation. Both sides also coordinated preparations for the 23rd Thailand-Laos Joint Commission Meeting slated for early October 2026. Timor-Leste In talks with Mr. Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, leaders discussed deeper regional cooperation within ASEAN and reviewed progress toward establishing the Lao Embassy in Dili, alongside Timor-Leste’s historic move to accede to the Convention. ICRC Meeting with Mr. Jurg Lauber, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, discussions centered on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The ICRC acknowledged Laos joining the Global Initiative for formal commitments to IHL (GIHLI) in July 2026 and extended an invitation to a high-level humanitarian conference in Jordan this December. Advancing Global Solidarity Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane lauded these engagements as a vital milestone for fostering solidarity and mutual understanding. He expressed his deep appreciation for the robust international support surrounding Laos’ presidency, noting that the strong global turnout reflects a unified, unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace, stability, and human progress. International delegations gathered at the National Convention Hall on September 15, 2026, to continue robust discussions and deliver statements during the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). Delegations from the Lao PDR and the Russian Federation held bilateral negotiations via video conference on September 15, 2026, and reached consensus on the draft treaty concerning the mutual protection of citizens of the two countries. President of the State Audit Organization of the Lao PDR Viengthavisone Thephachan received Vice Presidents Pham Tien Dung of Viet Nam’s Regional State Audit Office I in Hanoi and Nguyen Huu Tri of Regional State Audit Office VIII in Nha Trang, together with their delegation, in Vientiane on September 14, 2026. Vientiane, September 14, 2026 — Under overcast skies and light rain, Vientiane welcomed delegates from around the world on September 14 for the opening of the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), bringing together countries and organizations united by a common goal: building a world free of cluster munitions and their deadly remnants. The Lao PDR has called for stronger international cooperation, increased funding and accelerated action to address the continuing threat posed by cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance (UXO), as the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (3RC-CCM) continued its High-Level Segment in Vientiane on September 14.