(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone received a courtesy call from Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), and her delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office in Vientiane on March 5 during their official visit to Lao PDR from March 4–5, 2026.

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the delegation and noted that the visit was significant as it marked the first by an OIF Secretary-General to Laos in ten years, following the visit of Michaëlle Jean in 2016. He praised the continued development of cooperation between Laos and the OIF since the country became a full member in 1991.

Mr Sonexay expressed appreciation for the organization’s long-standing support, particularly in promoting French language education, training French language teachers, providing vocational training, and supporting cooperation across various sectors that have contributed to the socio-economic development of Laos.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed the Secretary-General on national development progress, including the successful implementation of the 9th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021–2025) and the launch of the 10th plan (2026–2030). He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to graduating from Least Developed Country status by the end of 2026, as proposed by the United Nations.

Ms Mushikiwabo thanked the Lao government for its warm hospitality and commended the strong partnership between the OIF and Laos, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to continue supporting cooperation and development initiatives in the country.

KPL