The Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Ms Fang Hong, last week gives US$10,000 to Xiengkhouang province authorities to assist people affected by UXO-related accidents, as well as a donation of US$5,000 to fund the studies of young people from Xiengkhouang province who are pursuing higher education in China.                         --Photo Pathetlao

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Thongsavanh Phomvihane leads a Lao delegation attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Special Meeting via video link on Friday.  The meeting, chaired by the Philippines’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, heard a report from the ASEAN Secretary-General regarding the overall impact of the Middle East conflict on the ASEAN region. Participants expressed grave concern and called upon all parties involved to exercise restraint and cease their violent actions. ASEAN members were encouraged to collectively prepare for the challenges that may arise from the impacts of the conflict.

The Ambassador of Germany to Laos, Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Ambassador of France to Laos, Bénédicte Deschamps, and delegations from the United Nations World Food Programme and the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports meet with the President of Xekong province, Mr Khanty Sylavongsa, on March 12. Mr Khanty welcomed the group and expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation of international partners in the provision of free school meals to improve student attendance and retention. This enhances learning outcomes and promotes better nutrition, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities.

The Ambassador of Germany to Laos, Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, and the Ambassador of France, Bénédicte Deschamps, visit Xekong province last week to observe the School Meals Programme in practice and review progress in strengthening food security and nutrition initiatives. The School Meals Programme was initiated by the World Food Programme to provide daily nutritious meals to primary school children while also supporting local agricultural supply chains by creating stable markets for smallholder farmers.