SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated Saleumxay Kommasith on becoming Laos’ new prime minister and invited him to make an official visit to Singapore, as the two Southeast Asian countries mark 25 years of development cooperation.
Wong sent the congratulatory letter on Oct. 7, a day after Saleumxay was formally elected by Laos’ National Assembly. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described relations between the two countries as “very good and warm” and said bilateral cooperation had expanded substantially over the years.
Saleumxay, a veteran diplomat who previously served as Laos’ deputy prime minister and foreign minister, was elected on Oct. 5 with all 158 lawmakers present voting in favour. He succeeds Sonexay Siphandone, who was elected president of the National Assembly.
Wong highlights growing Singapore-Laos cooperation
In his letter, Wong pointed to several areas where Singapore and Laos have expanded cooperation.
One major initiative is the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP), which allows electricity generated in Laos to be transmitted through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore.
The project forms part of Singapore’s efforts to diversify its electricity sources while supporting greater regional power connectivity. Wong described it as an example of a mutually beneficial initiative between the two countries.
Singapore and Laos are also developing cooperation in newer areas, including carbon credits and combating transnational crime.
Wong said Singapore would continue working with Laos in these areas as both sides seek to broaden their bilateral partnership.
25 years of development cooperation
Wong also highlighted Singapore’s long-standing support for Laos through development and training programmes.
Singapore has provided assistance through the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration, which offer training and capacity-building opportunities to officials from Laos and other developing ASEAN member states.
The year 2026 marks 25 years of development cooperation between Singapore and Laos.
Wong said Singapore would continue strengthening the partnership in line with Laos’ own development priorities.
The prime minister also expressed his intention to work closely with Saleumxay to further develop bilateral relations.
Saleumxay brings diplomatic experience to the premiership
Saleumxay’s appointment marks a move from one senior Lao leadership position to another for a politician with extensive foreign-policy experience.
The 57-year-old, who turns 58 on Oct. 31, previously served as Laos’ foreign minister and deputy prime minister. He is also a member of the Politburo of the ruling Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.
His background includes studies at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and Australia’s Monash University. He also served at Laos’ mission to the United Nations in New York and held foreign-ministry positions dealing with relations with countries including Australia, the United States and European nations.
Saleumxay speaks Lao, English, Russian and French, according to reports on his appointment.
His international diplomatic experience is notable for Laos, a landlocked Southeast Asian country whose foreign and economic relations are heavily shaped by its larger neighbours, particularly Vietnam, China and Thailand.
New Lao government faces economic challenges
Saleumxay takes office as Laos continues to face significant economic pressures.
The country has struggled with high levels of debt, currency depreciation and limited foreign-exchange reserves. Its economy also remains closely linked to neighbouring countries through trade, investment, infrastructure and energy projects.
In his first address after being elected, Saleumxay identified several priorities for his government, including food production, infrastructure recovery, mineral-resource management, major investment projects, tourism, revenue collection and monetary stability.
Those priorities will require Laos to maintain close economic relationships with its neighbours while seeking greater investment and stronger financial stability.
Singapore invites Saleumxay for official visit
Wong’s invitation for Saleumxay to visit Singapore signals an intention to maintain close high-level engagement following the leadership change in Vientiane.
In his letter, Wong wrote that he looked forward to working closely with his Lao counterpart to take Singapore-Laos relations forward and wished Saleumxay “good health and success”.
The invitation comes as ASEAN members continue to deepen cooperation on energy, connectivity, trade, development and transnational issues.
Singapore and Laos have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with their development cooperation entering its 25th year in 2026.
A leadership change with regional implications
Saleumxay’s appointment is primarily a domestic leadership transition for Laos, but his background in foreign affairs gives the change a broader regional dimension.
As prime minister, he will oversee Laos’ relationships with ASEAN partners as well as major neighbouring economies such as China, Vietnam and Thailand.
For Singapore, maintaining strong ties with Laos is particularly relevant to regional connectivity projects, energy cooperation and ASEAN integration.
Wong’s congratulatory message therefore goes beyond a formal diplomatic greeting. It sets out Singapore’s intention to continue working with the new Lao government across energy, development, carbon markets and regional security cooperation, while encouraging closer high-level engagement between the two countries.
With Saleumxay now at the helm, both sides are expected to build on the existing relationship as Singapore and Laos enter the next phase of their 25-year development partnership.
