Jakarta: Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, led a delegation on an official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on the afternoon of May 4, 2026. The delegation was warmly received by Kao Kim Hourn, along with ASEAN Deputy Secretaries-General and members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR).According to Lao News Agency, during the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavanh met with the ASEAN Secretary-General and CPR members to exchange views on strengthening the ASEAN Community, as well as regional and international developments affecting member states. He expressed appreciation for the roles of the CPR and the ASEAN Secretariat in advancing ASEAN Community-building and supporting the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. He emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and ASEAN centrality amid an increasingly complex and unpredictable global environment.In response, the ASEAN Secretary-General and CPR membe rs commended the Lao PDR for its active contributions to ASEAN, including the successful hosting of the 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme 'Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,' which supports regional integration and cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of 2027, which will mark both the 60th anniversary of ASEAN's founding and the 30th anniversary of the Lao PDR's accession to the regional bloc.Following the broader discussions, Deputy Prime Minister Thongsavanh held a bilateral meeting with the ASEAN Secretary-General. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the ASEAN Community and discussed key priorities and emerging challenges, particularly energy and food security. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation provided by the ASEAN Secretariat, especially during Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship. He also proposed further assistance in capacity-building initiatives for officials from ASEAN member states, incl uding Laos.During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister presented a traditional Lao cultural souvenir to the ASEAN Secretary-General for display at the ASEAN Secretariat's exhibition hall, symbolizing the strong ties and shared cultural heritage among ASEAN member states.