{
  "id": 12644367,
  "title": "PM Wong congratulates new Lao PM, invites him to visit Singapore",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/pm-wong-congratulates-new-lao-pm-invites-him-to-visit-singapore",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-07T14:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pm-wong-congratulates-new-lao-pm-invites-him-to-visit-singapore"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has extended his congratulations to newly appointed Laos Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, also extending an invitation for the new leader to visit Singapore. The two nations have been strengthening their cooperation in various sectors, including energy, carbon credits, and combating transnational crime. Wong expressed satisfaction with the \"very good and warm\" relationship between Singapore and Laos, underscoring the substantial growth in bilateral cooperation over the years.\n\nSaleumxay, who previously served as a deputy prime minister, was appointed as the new prime minister by Laos' National Assembly on October 5, with all 158 members endorsing his selection. He succeeded Sonexay Siphandone, who recently assumed the presidency of the National Assembly.\n\nHighlighting an ongoing initiative between Singapore and Laos, Wong drew attention to the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project. This project, initiated in 2022, facilitates Singapore's import of hydropower from Laos, passing through Thailand and Malaysia, thus contributing to enhanced regional electricity connectivity.\n\nIn reaffirming Singapore's commitment to Laos' development, Wong mentioned the organization of training courses by the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Initiative for Asean Integration. He emphasized that this year marks 25 years of development cooperation with Laos, and both nations will continue to strengthen their partnership in accordance with Laos' development priorities.\n\nInviting Saleumxay to an official visit to Singapore, Wong expressed his anticipation of working closely with the new prime minister to advance bilateral relations.",
  "summary": "Singapore and Laos have worked closely on energy, carbon credits and combating transnational crime.",
  "key_points": [
    "Singapore PM Lawrence Wong congratulates new Laos PM Saleumxay Kommasith",
    "Wong invites Saleumxay to visit Singapore, strengthening bilateral relations",
    "Lao-PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project highlighted"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}