Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongphane Savanphet, Lao’s ASEAN SOM Leader presided over the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting with the participation of ASEAN SOM Leaders, Timor-Leste SOM Leader, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community and ASEAN delegates on 7 October at National Convention Centre, Vientiane.
ASEAN Senior Official’s Meeting reviewed and highly valued the progress of the strengthening of ASEAN Community through the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 as well as the achievement made in the implementation of the 9 priority areas of Lao’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2024, including the development of Strategic Plans to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The Meeting discussed various matters pertaining to the preparation for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN. The Meeting also discussed the increasing applications from non-regional countries to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and exchanged views on the preparation and arrangement for the signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the TAC by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to be held on 10 October 2024.
The Meeting also reviewed ASEAN’s external relations and underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN unity and Centrality through ASEAN-led mechanisms. Importantly, the Senior ASEAN Officials discussed a wide range of issues on the preparation for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits which will be held on 9-11 October in Vientiane, especially ASEAN Leaders’ programme of activities and outcome documents for consideration at the 44th and 45th Summits and Related Summits to be held in this week-long high-level gathering. There are 16 Summits and more than 20 heads of Government from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and International and Regional Organizations.
In preparation for the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits from 8 to 11 October in Vientiane Capital, the Lao government has conducted a series of site inspections and installed heightened security measures to welcome international delegates.
Prime Minister’s Site Inspections
On 6 October, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reviewed the progress of the summit’s preparations. PM Sonexay first inspected Wattay International Airport, examining various aspects of the airport’s readiness, including decorations, ceremony preparations, and the arrangement of VIP rooms in the honorary building.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone inspect the National Convention Center (photo credit: Pasaxon News)
During the inspection, he emphasized the importance of seamless coordination among all parties to ensure the event is conducted flawlessly.
Following the airport visit, the prime minister oversaw preparations at the National Convention Center, another key venue for the summits. There, he provided further guidance and urged all involved to take full ownership of their tasks, ensuring they carry out their responsibilities to guarantee the success of the event.
Heightened Security Measures
Lao soldiers prepare their armed vehicles to ensure high-security during ASEAN Summits (photo credit: Pathet Lao Daily)
Given the high-profile nature of the event, Laos’s security forces are on high alert to safeguard the proceedings. Authorities from the Lao People’s Army and the Ministry of National Defense have coordinated efforts to ensure heightened security across the country, particularly in Vientiane Capital, where the summits will take place.
The 661st Battalion, with 135 soldiers, backed by armored vehicles, has been deployed to nine key locations across the capital, including the Lao People’s Army History Museum, Wattay International Airport, and Chao Anouvong Park, as well as nearby villages.
Other military units have also been mobilized to enhance security across the city.
Temporary Closures of Entertainment Venues
In a bid to further enhance security and minimize risks, the Vientiane Police Department has issued a directive requesting the temporary closure of all entertainment and karaoke venues from 7 to 13 October.
This measure aims to ensure public safety, prevent incidents that could tarnish the nation’s image, and allow law enforcement to focus on summit-related security efforts. Businesses found violating this order will face penalties, which will be issued by the National Defense authorities.
Medical and Health Services on Full Alert
Lao health experts prepare their medical tools (photo credit: Pasaxon News)
In parallel with security measures, Laos’ health sector is fully prepared to handle any medical emergencies that may arise during the ASEAN Summits. Over 100 medical staff have been assigned to assist with health services for the event, with medical stations set up at key locations, including the summit venues and delegate accommodations.
Deputy Minister of Health, Phaivanh Keopaseuth, confirmed that medical personnel are equipped with the necessary supplies, including medicines, medical equipment, and blood reserves.
The Ministry of Health has also arranged for 16 patient transport vehicles and 10 fully equipped ambulances, which will be stationed at five central hospitals—Mahosot Hospital, Setthathirath Hospital, Friendship Hospital, 103 Hospital, and 5 April Hospital.
Emergency medical units will also be readily available for any urgent situations.
The 600 MW Monsoon wind power project in Laos is set to start trial operations in late December, two months earlier than the initially planned February 2025 launch. The updated timeline was announced during a project review meeting with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) on 28 August.
Nguyen Tai Anh, Deputy General Director of EVN, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the National Electricity System and the Market Operation (NSMO) to adjust the legal framework to meet the revised schedule, according to Vietnamese media.
This project, valued at USD 950 million, spans Sekong and Attapeu provinces in Laos and features 133 wind turbines along with a 22-kilometer transmission line crossing the Laos-Vietnam border. Upon completion, it will be Laos’s first wind power project and one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
Investment in the project comes from a consortium of international investors, including Thailand’s Impact Electrons Siam Group and BCPG Public Company limited, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation, and Laos’s SMP consultation Sole Company Limited, among others.
Currently, EVN has already signed A 25-year power purchase agreement with the project’s investors.
This initiative marks the first cross-border renewable energy project in Southeast Asia and is a central component of the Laos-Vietnam energy cooperation plan, which aims to transmit 5,000 MW of electricity from Laos to Vietnam by 2030.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/monsoon-2.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-10-09 10:20:002024-09-16 10:22:36Monsoon Wind Power Project in Laos to Start Ahead of Schedule
ASEAN SOM Leaders Tackle Vision 2025, Timor-Leste Membership, and Summit Prep
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thongphane Savanphet, Lao’s ASEAN SOM Leader presided over the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting with the participation of ASEAN SOM Leaders, Timor-Leste SOM Leader, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community and ASEAN delegates on 7 October at National Convention Centre, Vientiane.
ASEAN Senior Official’s Meeting reviewed and highly valued the progress of the strengthening of ASEAN Community through the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 as well as the achievement made in the implementation of the 9 priority areas of Lao’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2024, including the development of Strategic Plans to implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The Meeting discussed various matters pertaining to the preparation for Timor-Leste’s full membership in ASEAN. The Meeting also discussed the increasing applications from non-regional countries to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and exchanged views on the preparation and arrangement for the signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the TAC by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to be held on 10 October 2024.
The Meeting also reviewed ASEAN’s external relations and underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN unity and Centrality through ASEAN-led mechanisms. Importantly, the Senior ASEAN Officials discussed a wide range of issues on the preparation for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits which will be held on 9-11 October in Vientiane, especially ASEAN Leaders’ programme of activities and outcome documents for consideration at the 44th and 45th Summits and Related Summits to be held in this week-long high-level gathering. There are 16 Summits and more than 20 heads of Government from ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and International and Regional Organizations.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/08/asean-som-leaders-tackle-vision-2025-timor-leste-membership-and-summit-prep/
Laos Prepares for ASEAN Summits with Heightened Security Measures
In preparation for the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits from 8 to 11 October in Vientiane Capital, the Lao government has conducted a series of site inspections and installed heightened security measures to welcome international delegates.
Prime Minister’s Site Inspections
On 6 October, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reviewed the progress of the summit’s preparations. PM Sonexay first inspected Wattay International Airport, examining various aspects of the airport’s readiness, including decorations, ceremony preparations, and the arrangement of VIP rooms in the honorary building.
During the inspection, he emphasized the importance of seamless coordination among all parties to ensure the event is conducted flawlessly.
Following the airport visit, the prime minister oversaw preparations at the National Convention Center, another key venue for the summits. There, he provided further guidance and urged all involved to take full ownership of their tasks, ensuring they carry out their responsibilities to guarantee the success of the event.
Heightened Security Measures
Given the high-profile nature of the event, Laos’s security forces are on high alert to safeguard the proceedings. Authorities from the Lao People’s Army and the Ministry of National Defense have coordinated efforts to ensure heightened security across the country, particularly in Vientiane Capital, where the summits will take place.
The 661st Battalion, with 135 soldiers, backed by armored vehicles, has been deployed to nine key locations across the capital, including the Lao People’s Army History Museum, Wattay International Airport, and Chao Anouvong Park, as well as nearby villages.
Other military units have also been mobilized to enhance security across the city.
Temporary Closures of Entertainment Venues
In a bid to further enhance security and minimize risks, the Vientiane Police Department has issued a directive requesting the temporary closure of all entertainment and karaoke venues from 7 to 13 October.
This measure aims to ensure public safety, prevent incidents that could tarnish the nation’s image, and allow law enforcement to focus on summit-related security efforts. Businesses found violating this order will face penalties, which will be issued by the National Defense authorities.
Medical and Health Services on Full Alert
In parallel with security measures, Laos’ health sector is fully prepared to handle any medical emergencies that may arise during the ASEAN Summits. Over 100 medical staff have been assigned to assist with health services for the event, with medical stations set up at key locations, including the summit venues and delegate accommodations.
Deputy Minister of Health, Phaivanh Keopaseuth, confirmed that medical personnel are equipped with the necessary supplies, including medicines, medical equipment, and blood reserves.
The Ministry of Health has also arranged for 16 patient transport vehicles and 10 fully equipped ambulances, which will be stationed at five central hospitals—Mahosot Hospital, Setthathirath Hospital, Friendship Hospital, 103 Hospital, and 5 April Hospital.
Emergency medical units will also be readily available for any urgent situations.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/07/laos-prepares-for-asean-summits-with-heightened-security-measures/
Monsoon Wind Power Project in Laos to Start Ahead of Schedule
The 600 MW Monsoon wind power project in Laos is set to start trial operations in late December, two months earlier than the initially planned February 2025 launch. The updated timeline was announced during a project review meeting with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) on 28 August.
Nguyen Tai Anh, Deputy General Director of EVN, confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the National Electricity System and the Market Operation (NSMO) to adjust the legal framework to meet the revised schedule, according to Vietnamese media.
This project, valued at USD 950 million, spans Sekong and Attapeu provinces in Laos and features 133 wind turbines along with a 22-kilometer transmission line crossing the Laos-Vietnam border. Upon completion, it will be Laos’s first wind power project and one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
Investment in the project comes from a consortium of international investors, including Thailand’s Impact Electrons Siam Group and BCPG Public Company limited, Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation, and Laos’s SMP consultation Sole Company Limited, among others.
Currently, EVN has already signed A 25-year power purchase agreement with the project’s investors.
This initiative marks the first cross-border renewable energy project in Southeast Asia and is a central component of the Laos-Vietnam energy cooperation plan, which aims to transmit 5,000 MW of electricity from Laos to Vietnam by 2030.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/03/monsoon-wind-power-project-in-laos-to-start-ahead-of-schedule/