Laos Names Veteran Diplomat with International Outlook to Be New Prime Minister
Lawmakers unanimously backed the change as Laos faces economic strain, with Saleumxay Kommasith bringing decades of diplomacy and foreign policy experience.
- On Monday, Laos' National Assembly unanimously elected veteran diplomat Saleumxay Kommasith as prime minister in a 158-0 vote, replacing former Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in what state media described as a significant leadership change.
- This leadership shake-up follows a pattern of government reshuffles, including the late-2022 removal of Phankham Viphavanh, as Laos grapples with persistent economic strain from overborrowing, debt obligations, and currency depreciation.
- Educated at Russia's Moscow State Institute of International Relations and Australia's Monash University, Saleumxay brings deep diplomatic experience, having served as foreign minister and UN representative while speaking English, Russian, and French.
- Former Prime Minister Sonexay transitioned to president of the National Assembly, filling a vacancy left since the death of Xaysomphone Phomvihane in August at age 70.
- In his assembly address, Saleumxay prioritized infrastructure and monetary stability as the economy grew 4.8 percent; Vietnam's prime minister visits Thursday to strengthen bilateral relations.
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PM Wong congratulates Laos PM Saleumxay Kommasith on his appointment
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday (Oct 7) congratulated Saleumxay Kommasith on his appointment as Laos' premier.The veteran diplomat, who turns 58 on Oct 31, was elected on Monday, receiving an unanimous vote of 158 lawmakers present, state news agency KPL reported.A member of the Politburo of the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Saleumxay had previously served as deputy prime...
The Lao National Assembly approved Vice-Premier Salemsai Kommasit as Head of Government and former Prime Minister Sonsai Siphandon presided over the country ' s Parliament. Personnel changes took place at the opening of the second session of the unicameral parliament of the tenth term, and transferred the position of Speaker to the United Nations since August, following the death of Sisomphon Phomvihan, who had been in charge of the legisla…
Is Laos leadership reshuffle good news for the EU?
Saleumxay Kommasith’s elevation to prime minister is unlikely to change Laos’ strategic alignment with China and Vietnam, but it puts one of the country’s most internationally experienced politicians in charge. For Europe, his appointment could create new opportunities to deepen trade, investment and diplomatic ties as Laos prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC)… Continue reading Is Laos leadership reshuffle good news for the EU?
Vientián, Oct 5 (Prensa Latina) Former Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone was elected today president of the Lao National Assembly (parliament), during the beginning of the Second ordinary session of that body, which will sit until the 21st.The post Laos elects former Prime Minister as president of the parliament first appeared on Noticias Prensa Latina.
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