The inaugural session of the 10th legislature of the National Assembly of Laos concluded on 27 March in Vientiane, bringing together top leaders and representatives to address key national priorities.

The closing ceremony was attended by Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR; Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly; Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister; along with members of the National Assembly.

The five-day session, held from 23 to 27 March, marked the formal commencement of the new legislative term and a significant moment in the country’s political calendar.

Addressing the closing ceremony, the President of the National Assembly said the session had officially launched the new term while addressing a wide range of key national issues. Proceedings began with a report from the National Election Committee on the outcome of the recent general elections, followed by the certification of elected members.

A central focus of the session was the election and approval of senior state leadership positions. Lawmakers elected Xaysomphone Phomvihane as President of the National Assembly, along with four Vice Presidents, members of its Standing Committee and committee chairpersons.

The Assembly also elected Thongloun Sisoulith as President of the Lao PDR and Vienthong Siphandone as Vice President, as well as Sonexay Siphandone as Prime Minister and six Deputy Prime Ministers. It further approved the structure of the new government and endorsed the appointment of cabinet members.

Key appointments extended to judicial and oversight institutions, including the President of the Supreme People’s Court, the Prosecutor General, and heads of the State Audit Organization and the State Inspection Authority.

Lawmakers also reviewed and approved major strategic frameworks, including the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026–2030. The session approved a government proposal for a railway project linking Thakhek in Khammouane Province to the Mu Gia border with Vietnam under a Build-Operate-Transfer model.

Additional agenda items included five-year strategic plans for judicial and oversight bodies, as well as legislative development and amendment plans for the new Assembly term.

During the session, lawmakers heard a comprehensive report from the Prime Minister on the implementation of the national socio-economic development plan, the state budget and monetary policy for the first half of 2025. The report also addressed two national priority agendas: tackling economic and financial challenges and combating drug-related issues.

The session reflects ongoing efforts by Laos to strengthen governance and advance its long-term development strategy.

KPL