Government
International relations
Indonesia welcomes Laos’ chairmanship, urges unity
Indonesia has thrown its support behind Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN, urging the country to maintain the group’s unity and centrality as it entered a new chapter in the establishment of the community.President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo conveyed his remarks to new ASEAN chair Laos during a ...
I’ll shake hands with protesters: Hun Sen
In an address to ruling party supporters in California on 15 February, Prime Minister Hun Sen wasted little time in taking several pot shots at US foreign policy and telling attendees he planned to confront anti-government protesters at the US-ASEAN summit head-on. Speaking at his hotel ...
Jokowi conveys words of wisdom to new ASEAN chair Laos
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has congratulated Laos on its selection for the ASEAN chairmanship in 2016, saying that this year is an important milestone for ASEAN, as the ASEAN Economic Community was coming into effect.At a courtesy call with President Choumaly Sayasone of Laos in ...
Malaysia visa fee increase waived for thousands of workers
More than 2400 Myanmar workers left in the lurch while Malaysia and Myanmar dispute a visa fee will have their applications processed under the previous – much cheaper – payment schedule, according to the Ministry of Labour. Myanmar recruitment agencies have been boycotting Malaysia – long ...
Mekong nations launch fresh drug blitz
Countries in the Mekong region have launched the third phase of drug crackdowns along the Mekong River and in the Golden Triangle. Narong Rattanakul, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, on 10 February revealed progress in the Safe Mekong Joint Operation to combat drug trafficking in the ...
Asean, Obama to ink cooperation pact
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and US president Barack Obama will jointly endorse guidelines to enhance cooperation in the first stand-alone US-ASEAN Summit at California’s Rancho Mirage next week, says government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak. The result of the summit will be issued in cooperation ...
Vietnam border campaigner Sam An vows to return in April
Outspoken Cambodia National Rescue Party lawmaker Um Sam An on 8 February vowed to return to Cambodia in April despite fearing arrest over his prominent role in the CNRP’s campaign to highlight Vietnamese territorial encroachment, which raised the government’s ire last year. Keep reading ...
Vietiane declaration on Laos development cooperation signed
The Vientiane Declaration on Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (VD II or Vientiane Partnership Declaration), a result of joint efforts between the government and development partners to shift from effective aid to effective development cooperation, was signed late last week in the Laotian capital. Keep reading ...
Lao officials discuss preparations for ASEAN meetings
Preparations for the 20th Senior Official Committee for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) and the 15th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) were on track, according to the concerned authority. Lao Senior Officials for SOCA and ASCC led by Mass Media Department Director General of the Ministry of Information, Culture ...
Thai PM to attend inaugural US-ASEAN summit
Thailand’s Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will attend the inaugural US-ASEAN summit in United States next week, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee revealed on 5 February. The event will be held at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, California from 14-18 February on the invitation of US President Barack ...
