Minerals & Environment: Laos’ National Assembly urged tighter oversight of mineral development to boost state and public benefits while protecting local communities, including a clearer national mineral strategy, concession reviews, and using modern technology to verify production and tax payments. Laos–Vietnam Strategic Ties: Ahead of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s Oct 8–10 visit, the Lao ambassador highlighted four areas to deepen Laos–Vietnam strategic cohesion, with trade nearing $3B in 2025 and Vietnam investing in energy, mining, agriculture and services. Transboundary Haze: Thailand, Laos and Myanmar launched a joint CLEAR Sky Strategy action plan (2024–2030) to cut fire hotspots, share air-quality data in real time, and expand monitoring, enforcement and public health warnings. Education & Literacy: MoES and Australia’s BEQUAL program are piloting new multigrade guidelines in 30 Lao schools to help teachers plan and teach effectively where one classroom serves multiple grade levels. Primary Forests Knowledge: A SEAP Forests Knowledge Hub was launched to support primary forest conservation with shared data, research and country experience across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. China Military Training in Laos: China opened a joint support and training center at Ban Keun Airport, expanding Beijing’s security presence and pilot training cooperation.