Laos Names Foreign Policy Veteran Saleumxay Kommasith New Prime Minister
On October 5, the Lao National Assembly approved a major leadership reshuffle during the second ordinary session of its 10th legislature, electing former Standing Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith as the new Prime Minister. The outgoing Prime Minister Dr. Sonexay Siphandone has been appointing as President of the National Assembly. The leadership changes follow the death of National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane on August 8. All 158 lawmakers present voted in favor of His Excellency Saleumxay’s appointment, confirming his transition from foreign affairs and diplomatic duties to the head of government.
His Excellency Saleumxay, who earned a master’s degree in international relations from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and another master’s degree in international studies and development from Monash University, previously served as the country’s Foreign Minister starting in 2016 and as Deputy Prime Minister beginning in 2022. Analysts note that his extensive career in foreign relations, including past service as the Lao representative to the United Nations in New York, places a seasoned diplomat at the helm as the country seeks to strengthen regional partnerships and navigate economic priorities within ASEAN.
