The briefing was held following the successful conclusion of the 12th National Congress, which convened under the theme: “Enhancing the Party’s Strong Leadership, Proactively Building an Independent and Self-Reliant Economy, and Continuing to Consolidate the People’s Democratic System for Progress Towards Socialism.”

Minister Thongsavanh highlighted that the Congress achieved significant and far-reaching results, marking an important milestone in the Party’s leadership and the country’s development trajectory.

The Congress adopted the Third Political Program of the Party, presented by Comrade Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Party Central Committee. The Program serves as a fundamental strategic document defining the Party’s long-term vision and development orientation through 2055. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of the Second Political Program, particularly the Party’s leadership in national liberation, nation-building and safeguarding, and the renewal (renovation) process toward socialism.

The Congress also unanimously adopted the Political Report of the 11th Party Central Committee, which comprehensively reviewed the implementation of the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress over the past five years. Despite numerous challenges, the Party maintained continuous socio-economic growth, addressed emerging issues, and gradually eased pressing economic and financial difficulties.

In addition, the Congress approved the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), translating the Resolution of the 12th Party Congress into concrete national action plans, projects, and investment frameworks. The Plan outlines six major strategic goals aimed at ensuring sustained and inclusive socio-economic development.

Looking ahead, the Congress set long-term development goals toward 2055, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the LPRP. The vision is to build Laos into a developing country with upper-middle income approaching high-income status, supported by a strong political system, a modern economic foundation, and advanced productive forces, while ensuring prosperous livelihoods for people of all ethnic groups. To this end, the Congress also identified 11 fundamental contents to further refine and consolidate the People’s Democratic System in the advance toward socialism.

The Congress objectively reviewed remaining challenges and shortcomings in Party leadership and implementation in certain areas, identified root causes, and called for urgent corrective measures. Six key lessons learned from the implementation of the Resolution of the 11th Party Congress and from practical leadership experience over the past five years were adopted to guide future leadership and policy implementation.

On foreign policy, the Congress reaffirmed the Party’s consistent stance of upholding multilateralism, respecting the Charter of the United Nations, supporting the peaceful settlement of disputes, and expanding relations with political parties and progressive movements worldwide. It emphasized strict adherence to the principle of democratic centralism and the need to enhance the effectiveness and timeliness of foreign affairs coordination.

In the context of increasingly complex and unpredictable regional and international developments, the Congress reiterated its firm commitment to the foreign policy of “Peace, Independence, Friendship, and Cooperation.” Priority will continue to be given to comprehensive relations with neighboring countries and strategic partners, while promoting regional and international connectivity, integration, and proactive, self-reliant cooperation through both Party and State channels, based on mutual respect for independence, sovereignty, and mutual benefit.

Regarding future directions, the Congress reaffirmed its determination to continue leading the nation, further consolidate the People’s Democratic System, and advance firmly toward socialism. By 2030, it aims to establish solid foundations and strong momentum for development in the post–least developed country (LDC) graduation period.

To ensure effective implementation of the Resolution of the 12th National Congress, responsibilities were assigned to the Party Central Committee and Party committees at all levels to research, internalize, and translate the Resolution into concrete action plans, with regular monitoring and inspection under the strong and centralized leadership of the Party Central Committee.

KPL