VIENTIANE: As senior Party leaders from central and provincial levels gathered at the Unknown Soldiers’ Monument in Vientiane on Monday (Jan 5), wreaths were laid in solemn tribute to those who died while fighting for the liberation of Laos, marking the start of ceremonial activities ahead of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
The ceremony took place as delegates from the provinces arrived in Vientiane to attend the 12th National Party Congress, scheduled to open on Tuesday (Jan 6) and continue until Thursday (Jan 8).
At the wreath-laying ceremony, led by the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, Thongloun Sisoulith, the delegation honoured revolutionary fighters whose sacrifices paved the way for national liberation and the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Dec 2, 1975.
The ceremony, which took place at 7am and was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by members of the Party Central Committee and Party representatives of central and local delegations. The event expressed deep respect and gratitude for the courage, heroic spirit, and devotion of those who gave their lives for the revolutionary cause under the Party’s leadership.
Later in the morning, the delegation proceeded to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, where flowers were laid at the statue of President Kaysone Phomvihane. Organised by the Office of the Party Central Committee, the ceremony paid tribute to the revolutionary leader’s role in spearheading the nation’s struggle for independence, freedom, and unity.
President Kaysone is revered as the Party’s founding leader, who successfully led efforts to ensure the country’s protection, rebuilding and development in successive years.
Following the ceremonies, the 13th Plenary Session of the 11th Party Central Committee convened at the Office of the Party Central Committee, attended by all incumbent members of the Party Central Committee, to finalise preparations for the 12th Party Congress.
Final preparations focused on the circulation of meeting regulations, the agenda, and related matters.
The 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party will be attended by 834 delegates, including 123 women, representing 421,865 Party members from central, ministerial, and local levels. In addition, 388 invited guests will participate in the meeting.
The 12th National Congress will review the implementation of the resolution of the last congress, which outlined a development roadmap for 2021-2025, set strategic directions for the next five years (2026-2030), and elect members of the 12th Party Central Committee. The National Party Congress is held once every five years. - Vientiane Times/ANN
