Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane on Tuesday receives the Canadian Ambassador to ASEAN, Ms Ambra Dickie, who is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. The two officials expressed appreciation of ASEAN-Canada cooperation in past years, including through the ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership and the ASEAN-Canada Action Plan for 2021-2025. They also discussed the direction of future cooperation through the ASEAN-Canada Action Plan for 2026-2030. In addition, they agreed to accelerate negotiations concerning the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Area and make plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada cooperation in 2027.

The Ambassador of India to Laos, Mr Yogeshwar Sangwan, opens the first Indian Film Festival in Laos. The opening ceremony on March 6 was attended by members of the Indian diaspora, diplomatic community, and Lao government officials. The Ambassador highlighted the global appeal of Indian cinema and its role in bringing cultures together. The event also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Laos, celebrating the strong and growing friendship between the two countries.

The Director of Kingstar Auto Company Limited, Mr Chen Xinjun (right), together with members of the Kingstar Club presents 130 million kip to the President of the Lao Table Tennis Federation, Mrs Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun, to buy table tennis equipment and support the work of the federation. The donation was handed over during the company’s launch of the Jetuor G700, Wuling BingoS and Wuling MPV730 vehicles at the Lao Eco-Motor Expo 2026, which is taking place in Vientiane from March 8-15.

Officials from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Inspection, the Department of Forestry and other Lao government agencies meet with Chinese officials in Vientiane on March 10 to discuss wildlife management and efforts to curb the burgeoning illegal trade in flora and fauna. With reference to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the two sides reviewed the extent of the transnational trade in endangered species and agreed to partner in the strengthening of prevention measures and law enforcement.