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| Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong meets with Australian Ambassador to Laos, Megan Jones, on Wednesday to discuss stronger media ties between Laos and Australia. |
Laos, Australia strengthen media ties
Australia and Laos have agreed to strengthen media cooperation through training, content sharing, and support for media development.
A consultation endorsed these directions when the Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Central Committee, Mr Khamphanh Pheuyavong— the agency that oversees the Lao media — received a courtesy visit from the Australian Ambassador to Laos, Ms Megan Jones, on Wednesday.
Ambassador Jones said this year marks 74 years of diplomatic relations between Laos and Australia. She highlighted Australia’s support for Laos’ priorities in building the skills of Party and government officials, including media personnel.
Australia’s support aims to improve English language skills, research and analytical abilities, and leadership capacity.
Mr Khamphanh, who is also a Politburo member, thanked Australia for offering to support Lao media professionals through expert-led training and study tours in Australia.
He welcomed cooperation to help Lao media officials and journalists identify and address misinformation and disinformation amid the rapidly changing media landscape.
Ambassador Jones thanked the Commission and Lao media organisations for supporting the long-standing relationship between the two countries, which includes cooperation in development, trade and investment.
She also applauded the Commission’s decision to select Australia as a partner in the observation of the 75th Lao Media Day in August 2025.
Ambassador Jones said cooperation between Australian and Lao media organisations continues to expand under the Comprehensive Partnership agreement signed by the prime ministers of the two countries in 2024.
Last year, Australia supported the Digital Dialogue programme of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in Laos, the broadcaster’s first such programme in Southeast Asia.
In February this year, two Lao media leaders joined a media executive leadership programme organised by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation with support from the Australian government.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Australian Associated Press are also working with Lao media organisations on content sharing and training programmes to strengthen cultural links and mutual understanding between Laos and Australia.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation television channel has also been added to the LAOSAT broadcasting package, allowing audiences in Laos to watch Australian programmes.
During the meeting, Mr Khamphan expressed support for geostrategic and geoeconomic workshops to be held in Vientiane on June 16-18.
The workshops will bring together Lao and Australian speakers to discuss regional geopolitical and economic developments and their impact on the region.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update May 8, 2026)
