(KPL) Party Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith has been elected as State President succeeding Bounnhang Vorachit who has retired.

At the ongoing inaugural meeting of the National Assembly, Mrs Pany Yathortou, previously serving as President of the National Assembly, and Mr Bounthong Chitmany, former Deputy Prime Minister, were elected as Vice Presidents by people’s representatives.

Members of the National Assembly (9^th legislature) also elected former Vice President Phankham Viphavanh as Prime Minister and approved the appointment of three Deputy Prime Ministers including Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath, who is also serves as Minister of National Defence, Sonexay Siphandone who also serves as Minister of Planning and Investment and Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune.

They also approved the organizational structure of the government comprising of 17 ministries and two ministerial-level agencies.

Members of the 9^th cabinet include: Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong, Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce Khampheng Xaysompheng, Minister to and Head of Prime Minister’s Office Khamchen Vongphosy, Minister of Technology and Telecommunications Boviengkham Vongdara, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Phet Phomphithak, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Bounkham Vorachit, Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR Sonexay Sithphaxay, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Baykham Khattiya, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaketh, Minister of Finance Bounchom Oubonpaseuth, Minister of Public Works and Transport Viengsavath Siphandone, Minister of Education and Sports Phouth Simmalavong, Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Justice Phaivy Siboualipha, Minister of Home Affairs Thongchanh Manixay and Minister of Energy and Mines Daovong Phonekeo.

KPL