ASEAN Diplomacy: Laos’ Deputy PM and FM Thongsavanh Phomvihane led the Lao delegation at major ASEAN-led meetings in Manila, including ASEAN Plus Three, the ARF and the East Asia Summit, where ministers backed work on economic resilience, food and energy security, and tackling transnational crime like online scams and money laundering. Cluster Munitions: Laos is stepping up preparations for the 3rd Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, with a Vientiane coordination meeting covering logistics, protocol, security and a planned field visit to a UXO clearance site in Luang Prabang. Southern Development: PM Sonexay Siphandone urged faster socio-economic progress in Champasak, Saravane, Sekong and Attapeu, pushing connectivity, modern agriculture, clean energy, tourism and value-added industries, plus better border procedures. Tourism & Biodiversity: Laos signed a joint commitment to position the country as a biodiversity tourism destination, while international arrivals rose 9.87% in the first half of 2026 to 2.59 million visitors. Rural Cooperation: Laos and China completed a two-year poverty reduction project in Tha Dokkham Village, reporting income gains and new greenhouses, roads, clean water and cold storage. Public Safety & Justice: Families of Australian victims in Laos’ 2024 methanol poisoning case say police findings still fall short, with disputes over whether charges can be brought.