Vientiane: General Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President Thongloun Sisoulith received a delegation from the Lao Khaen Association during a courtesy visit on August 26, 2026. The meeting underscored the importance of cultural preservation and heritage within the nation.

According to Lao News Agency, the delegation was led by Dr. Chaleun Yiapaoher, former Member of the Party Central Committee, former Vice President of the National Assembly, and Honorary President of the Lao Khaen Association. He was accompanied by Mr. Khamphanh Mueansitthida, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Development and President of the association, along with other committee members. Dr. Chaleun provided an update on the association's efforts in preserving, promoting, and disseminating the traditional sounds of the Lao khaen.

Dr. Chaleun emphasized the association's ongoing endeavors to safeguard the khaen, recognizing it as an essential element of Lao intangible cultural heritage. He detailed the initiatives aimed at ensuring the transmission of its knowledge and traditions to future generations, highlighting the cultural significance of this musical form.

President Thongloun praised the association for its dedication to preserving the ancestral wisdom and cultural traditions of the nation. He encouraged the association to continue its mission of promoting and safeguarding the khaen, ensuring that this heritage remains a lasting component of Lao national identity.