Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japanese Princess Aiko meets Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on Nov. 18, 2025, during her official trip to Laos. (Pool photo)

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japanese Princess Aiko meets Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on Nov. 18, 2025, during her official trip to Laos. (Pool photo)

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japanese Princess Aiko, in Laotian traditional dress, meets Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on Nov. 18, 2025, during her official trip to Laos. (Pool photo)

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japanese Princess Aiko meets Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on Nov. 18, 2025, as she visits Laos on her first official overseas trip, marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. (Pool photo)

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japanese Princess Aiko meets Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on Nov. 18, 2025, as she visits Laos on her first official overseas trip, marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. (Pool photo)

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japan Princess Aiko in Laos

Japanese Princess Aiko shakes hands with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on Nov. 18, 2025, as she visits Laos on her first official overseas trip, marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. (Pool photo)

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting - Tianjin

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting - Tianjin

General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith attends the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, north China, Sept. 1, 2025. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) convened the "SCO Plus" Meeting on Monday afternoon in north China's port city of Tianjin. Photo by Ding Haitao/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025

General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith arrives at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center for a welcoming banquet in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Photo by Ding Haitao /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, pose for a group photo with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Xi and Peng on Sunday hosted a banquet in China's port city of Tianjin to welcome international guests who are here to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025. Photo by Ding Haitao /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 - Tianji

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 - Tianji

General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith arrives for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Photo by Zhao Zishuo /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 - Tianji

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 - Tianji

General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith arrives for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin, north China, Aug. 31, 2025. Photo by Sun Fanyue /Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Emperor meets with president of Laos

Emperor meets with president of Laos

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) shakes hands with President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 30, 2025. (Pool photo)

Emperor meets with president of Laos

Emperor meets with president of Laos

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) shakes hands with President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 30, 2025. (Pool photo)

Japan-Laos talks

Japan-Laos talks

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (R) and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith shake hands ahead of their talks at the premier's office in Tokyo on May 29, 2025.

Putin Hosts Brics Summit - Kazan

Putin Hosts Brics Summit - Kazan

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Kazan, Russia, October 22, 2024. Photo by Yue Yuewei/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Putin Hosts Brics Summit - Kazan

Putin Hosts Brics Summit - Kazan

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Kazan, Russia, October 22, 2024. Photo by Yao Dawei/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith for a meeting at the Elysee Palace, as part of the 19th Francophonie Summit, in Paris, France, on October 4, 2024. Photo by Eric Tschaen/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith for a meeting at the Elysee Palace, as part of the 19th Francophonie Summit, in Paris, France, on October 4, 2024. Photo by Eric Tschaen/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith for a meeting at the Elysee Palace, as part of the 19th Francophonie Summit, in Paris, France, on October 4, 2024. Photo by Eric Tschaen/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith for a meeting at the Elysee Palace, as part of the 19th Francophonie Summit, in Paris, France, on October 4, 2024. Photo by Eric Tschaen/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

Emmanuel Macron Receives President of Laos - Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith for a meeting at the Elysee Palace, as part of the 19th Francophonie Summit, in Paris, France, on October 4, 2024. Photo by Eric Tschaen/Pool/ABACAPRESS.COM

19th Summit of the Francophonie at Villers-Cotterets

19th Summit of the Francophonie at Villers-Cotterets

France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) greets Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith as he arrives to attend the 19th Summit of the Francophonie at the "Cite internationale de la langue francaise" in the castle of Villers-Cotterets, north-eastern France, on October 4, 2024 Photo by Eliot Blondet/ABACAPRESS.COM

LAOS-VIENTIANE-PRESIDENT-CHINA-WANG YI-MEETING

LAOS-VIENTIANE-PRESIDENT-CHINA-WANG YI-MEETING

(240725) -- VIENTIANE, July 25, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Vientiane, Laos, July 25, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Cambodia, Laos vow to boost bilateral ties, regional cooperation

STORY: Cambodia, Laos vow to boost bilateral ties, regional cooperation SHOOTING TIME: April 23, 2024 DATELINE: April 24, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting STORYLINE: Cambodia and Laos on Tuesday vowed to boost their bilateral relations and regional cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and peoples, said a news release from the Cambodian prime minister's spokesperson unit. The commitment was made during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and visiting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Peace Palace in the capital Phnom Penh. Both sides agreed to further promote bilateral cooperation in a number of major areas including energy, connectivity, border affairs, combating transnational crime, defense and security, as well as people-to-people exchanges, the news release said. The two leaders also agreed to further promote the comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership for the common prosperity o

CAMBODIA-PHNOM PENH-PM-LAO PRESIDENT-MEETING

CAMBODIA-PHNOM PENH-PM-LAO PRESIDENT-MEETING

(240423) -- PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (R) meets with visiting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on April 23, 2024. Cambodia and Laos on Tuesday vowed to boost their bilateral relations and regional cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and peoples, said a news release from the Cambodian prime minister's spokesperson unit. (Photo by Ra Ni/Xinhua)

Elephant Festival celebrated in northern Laos

STORY: Elephant Festival celebrated in northern Laos SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 18, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 20, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:00 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Elephant Festival STORYLINE: The annual Elephant Festival was held in northern Lao province of Xayaboury, marking a colorful start to the province's Visit Laos Year 2024 program. The popular annual festival, which saw Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith taking part in the opening ceremony on Saturday, featured a range of events, including a parade of elephants, with some of the animals performing circus acts and competing in a fun painting competition, Lao national TV reported on Monday. The festival was held from Feb. 12 to Feb. 18, aiming at raising awareness of elephant conservation and promoting local tourism and economic development. Speaking at the opening ceremony, deputy governor of Xayaboury province Phetphixay Sounvilay, said that the festival was intended to spotlight the continuing need to preserve

CAMBODIA-PHNOM PENH-PM-LAO PRESIDENT-MEETING

CAMBODIA-PHNOM PENH-PM-LAO PRESIDENT-MEETING

(230504) -- PHNOM PENH, May 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) shakes hands with visiting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 4, 2023. Cambodia and Laos on Thursday vowed to further advance bilateral relations and cooperation for mutual benefits, a senior Cambodian official said. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua)

Forum held in Laos to boost Belt and Road cooperation

STORY: Forum held in Laos to boost Belt and Road cooperation SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 7, 2023 DATELINE: Dec. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:16 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of opening ceremony of second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation 2. various of China 3. various of opening ceremony 4. various of Laos 5. various of forum 6. various of Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune speaking 7. various of Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, speaking 8. various of Xinhua News Agency 9. various of Laos 10. various of forum STORYLINE: The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, met in October with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secreta

LAOS-VIENTIANE-2ND BELT AND ROAD FORUM FOR LAOS-CHINA COOPERATION

LAOS-VIENTIANE-2ND BELT AND ROAD FORUM FOR LAOS-CHINA COOPERATION

(231207) -- VIENTIANE, Dec. 7, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Dec. 7, 2023 shows the second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation held in Vientiane, Laos. The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao president, sent a congratulatory letter to the forum. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

(BRF2023) CHINA-BEIJING-XI JINPING-LAOS-PRESIDENT-MEETING (CN)

(BRF2023) CHINA-BEIJING-XI JINPING-LAOS-PRESIDENT-MEETING (CN)

(231020) -- BEIJING, Oct. 20, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 20, 2023. Thongloun is in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and a working visit to China. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

(BRF2023) CHINA-BEIJING-XI JINPING-LAOS-PRESIDENT-MEETING (CN)

(BRF2023) CHINA-BEIJING-XI JINPING-LAOS-PRESIDENT-MEETING (CN)

(231020) -- BEIJING, Oct. 20, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 20, 2023. Thongloun is in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and a working visit to China. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-HAN ZHENG-LAOS-PRESIDENT-MEETING (CN)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-HAN ZHENG-LAOS-PRESIDENT-MEETING (CN)

(231018) -- BEIJING, Oct. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2023. Thongloun is in Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-HIGH-LEVEL FORUM ON CONNECTIVITY (CN)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-HIGH-LEVEL FORUM ON CONNECTIVITY (CN)

(231018) -- BEIJING, Oct. 18, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, addresses the High-Level Forum on Connectivity of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-XI JINPING-PENG LIYUAN-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-BANQUET (CN)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-XI JINPING-PENG LIYUAN-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-BANQUET (CN)

(231017) -- BEIJING, Oct. 17, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan welcome Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, and his wife before a banquet for distinguished guests attending the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2023. Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan on Tuesday hosted a banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to welcome guests who are in China to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-LAO PRESIDENT-ARRIVAL (CN)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-LAO PRESIDENT-ARRIVAL (CN)

(231016) -- BEIJING, Oct. 16, 2023 (Xinhua) -- An airplane carrying Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, lands in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 16, 2023. Thongloun Sisoulith will attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-LAO PRESIDENT-ARRIVAL (CN)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-LAO PRESIDENT-ARRIVAL (CN)

(231016) -- BEIJING, Oct. 16, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, arrives in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 16, 2023. Thongloun Sisoulith will attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-LAO PRESIDENT-ARRIVAL (CN)

(BRF2023)CHINA-BEIJING-BELT AND ROAD FORUM-LAO PRESIDENT-ARRIVAL (CN)

(231016) -- BEIJING, Oct. 16, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, arrives in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 16, 2023. Thongloun Sisoulith will attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

LAOS-VIENTIANE-CHINA-LIU JIANCHAO-VISIT

LAOS-VIENTIANE-CHINA-LIU JIANCHAO-VISIT

(230908) -- VIENTIANE, Sept. 8, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao (L), head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Vientiane, Laos, Sept. 8, 2023. Liu led a CPC delegation on a visit to Laos from Wednesday to Friday. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

CHINA-YUNNAN-KUNMING-LI XI-LAOS-PRESIDENT-VISITING AND MEETING (CN)

CHINA-YUNNAN-KUNMING-LI XI-LAOS-PRESIDENT-VISITING AND MEETING (CN)

(230615) -- KUNMING, June 15, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Entrusted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, visits and meets with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Lao president in Japan

Lao president in Japan

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (far R) sees off Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith following a meeting at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 25, 2023.

Lao president in Japan

Lao president in Japan

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) accompanies Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith ahead of their meeting at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 25, 2023.

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Japan

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Japan

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) poses for a photo with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith ahead of their meeting at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 25, 2023.

Lao president in Japan

Lao president in Japan

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (R) meets with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 25, 2023.

Japan-Laos talks

Japan-Laos talks

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (far R) holds talks with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith (far L) at the premier's office in Tokyo on May 25, 2023.

Japan-Laos talks

Japan-Laos talks

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (R) has a conversation with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith ahead of their talks at the premier's office in Tokyo on May 25, 2023.

Japan-Laos talks

Japan-Laos talks

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (R) shakes hands with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith ahead of their talks at the premier's office in Tokyo on May 25, 2023.

Japan-Laos talks

Japan-Laos talks

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (R) shakes hands with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith ahead of their talks at the premier's office in Tokyo on May 25, 2023.

Cambodia, Laos vow to further advance ties, cooperation

STORY: Cambodia, Laos vow to further advance ties, cooperation DATELINE: May 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:26 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and visiting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith STORYLINE: Cambodia and Laos on Thursday vowed to further advance bilateral relations and cooperation for mutual benefits, a senior Cambodian official said. The commitment was made during a meeting held here between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and visiting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, said Eang Sophalleth, a personal assistant to Hun Sen. He said the two leaders highly valued the comprehensive and long-term strategic partnership between the two ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states, vowing to elevate it to a new high. "Thongloun said it was essential for both countries to explore more cooperation opportunities in the areas of tourism, investment, security and disaster response," Sophalleth told r

CAMBODIA-PHNOM PENH-PM-LAO PRESIDENT-MEETING

CAMBODIA-PHNOM PENH-PM-LAO PRESIDENT-MEETING

(230504) -- PHNOM PENH, May 4, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (R) shakes hands with visiting Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 4, 2023. Cambodia and Laos on Thursday vowed to further advance bilateral relations and cooperation for mutual benefits, a senior Cambodian official said. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua)

LAOS-VIENTIANE-NEW PM

LAOS-VIENTIANE-NEW PM

(221230) -- VIENTIANE, Dec. 30, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Sonexay Siphandone, the new prime minister of Laos, addresses the National Assembly (NA) meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 30, 2022. The Lao cabinet is reshuffled at the concluding meeting of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the National Assembly (Ninth Legislature) of Laos held in Lao capital Vientiane on Friday, according to local TV reports. The NA meeting has approved the nomination from Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, naming Sonexay Siphandone as the new prime minister, with an overwhelming majority winning 149 out of the 151 votes. (Photo by Kethsana Saliankham/Xinhua)