ASEAN Diplomacy & Food Security: ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Manila with regional security, West Asia tensions and South China Sea issues on the agenda, alongside a push for stronger ASEAN rice and food security and electricity grid cooperation involving Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Tourism & Justice Fallout: Laos says it cannot determine blame for six foreign tourists’ methanol-linked deaths in Vang Vieng because autopsies were not conducted, while charges against a distillery owner relate to harmful sales and illegal business—sparking renewed criticism from Australia and Denmark. Trade & Investment Push: Vietnam and Laos target US$10 billion in bilateral trade, with business networking at VIETLAO EXPO 2026 focused on cutting intermediary costs and improving cross-border logistics. Regional Connectivity: Laos and Thailand reaffirm border cooperation in Bolikhamxay–Bueng Kan, highlighting expanded cross-border trade, tourism and people-to-people links. Human Capital: Japan’s JDS scholarship programme grant supports postgraduate training for 21 Lao officials, continuing capacity-building for public sector reform. Culture as an Economy: Laos launches a cultural association to preserve heritage while turning culture into a “cultural/creative economy” for tourism and business opportunities. AI Governance: Laos is among founding members of the World AI Cooperation Organization announced at WAIC in Shanghai, as Global South countries seek shared AI development rules. Gold Market Deal: Hong Kong and Laos sign an MOU to deepen economic partnership, including cooperation to strengthen Laos’ ties with Hong Kong’s gold trading and clearing ecosystem.