Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof. Dr Thongsalith Mangnomek (right), welcomes ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, who is in Vientiane to attend an ASEAN ministerial meeting.

ASEAN Secretary-General visits Laos for regional science and technology conference

Ahead of the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation taking place in Vientiane on June 26, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof. Dr Thongsalith Mangnomek, welcomed the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and his delegation.
Dr Thongsalith said the participation of the ASEAN Secretary-General and his delegation was a boost to the advancement of ASEAN frameworks and priorities.
Laos has voiced support for efforts to strengthen the ASEAN Community, enhance integration and connectivity in various areas, especially in economic affairs, promote trade and investment within ASEAN, narrow the development gap, and increase people-to-people links.
The government believes ASEAN member states must strengthen cooperation with external partners, making ASEAN a central player in regional cooperation.
More importantly, the government has placed science, technology and innovation at the centre of efforts to drive development in Laos.
The government has adopted the National Science, Technology and Innovation Development Strategy and Plan for 2026-2040, which supports the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation for 2026-2035.
On behalf of the ASEAN Secretariat, Dr Kao Kim Hourn expressed his gratitude to Dr Thongsalith Mangnomek and his colleagues for their hospitality during the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation.
Dr Kao Kim Hourn also expressed appreciation to the Lao government, especially the Ministry of Education and Sports, for their meticulous preparations for the meeting.
Dr Thongsalith said the meeting would not have been possible without the strong support of the Lao Secretariat, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the ASEAN Secretariat, and praised their hard work to ensure the successful organisation of the conference.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 26, 2026)