Education & Health Push: Laos’ Ministry of Education says it will improve rural and remote schooling to match urban standards, adding early childhood reforms, stronger non-formal education, more scholarships, and dorms in remote areas. The Health Ministry plans to modernize central and provincial hospitals while boosting district hospitals, health centres and village volunteers, alongside disease prevention and expanded health insurance. Poverty Plan: Laos targets lifting over 100,000 households out of poverty in three years under a National Agenda for Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, focusing on livelihoods, infrastructure, transparency and science-led implementation. Regional Diplomacy: Laos officially becomes a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation dialogue partner, while Vietnam and Laos continue deepening border defence cooperation, including a new Vietnam-funded border guard coordination station. Myanmar Talks: ASEAN foreign ministers will meet Myanmar’s top diplomat in Bangkok this weekend, as Myanmar seeks a path back after years of exclusion. Economy Watch: The World Bank projects Laos growth of 3.8% in 2026, warning gains remain fragile amid global risks and rising oil prices. Bilateral Recognition: Laos honors outgoing Malaysian Ambassador Eddy Iwan for strengthening ties across trade, investment, education, tourism and clean energy.