SCO Diplomacy: President Thongloun Sisoulith led Laos’ first official participation as an SCO Dialogue Partner at the SCO Plus meeting in Bishkek, proposing cooperation in agriculture/food security, digital transformation, transport connectivity, and banking/finance, while also holding talks with Kyrgyzstan, Belarus and the SCO secretary-general. Flood Response & Insurance: SEADRIF paid about US$1.1375 million to the Lao government and WFP after widespread flooding affected more than 260,000 people, using a shared disaster-impact trigger aligned to government and humanitarian needs. Green Energy for Schools: China-aided Laos’ first integrated “zero-carbon library” opened in Luang Prabang, combining solar power, energy storage and charging facilities for students. Cybercrime Crackdown: Laos reported mass arrests of cybercrime suspects in Vientiane and across the country, as authorities push harder against online fraud and related networks. Trade & Regional Ties: Laos continues to deepen regional engagement as China remains ASEAN’s top trading partner and China-ASEAN trade growth accelerates, with Laos highlighted in cross-border cooperation zones. National Day Links: Laos leaders sent congratulations to Vietnam on its 81st National Day, reaffirming the close friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.