Photo: Vansay Tavinyan, Deputy Head, Propaganda and Training Board of the Central Committee of Lao People's Revolutionary Party & Editor-in-Chief of Pasaxon Newspaper, Laos

The Eleventh ASEAN Plus Three (10+3) Media Cooperation Forum was held in Kunming, the capital of Southwest China's Yunnan Province, on the afternoon of September 17. Under the theme "Increase Inter-connectivity for Common Development and Shared Benefits," 13 representatives from mainstream media outlets across different countries delivered speeches or keynote speeches centered on this topic. Multiple media guests also engaged in on-site dialogues and exchanges on topics including "Foster New Growth Drivers and Share New Development Opportunities." Vansay Tavinyan, deputy head of Propaganda and Training Board of the Central Committee of Lao People's Revolutionary Party and editor-in-chief of Laos' Pasaxon Newspaper, delivered a keynote speech at the forum. The following is the full text of the speech:

Respected leaders, distinguished guests, esteemed media leaders from ASEAN member states, and honorable participants:

Good morning!

First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the host of this forum, the People's Daily. Thank you for inviting Lao media to participate in this significant forum. This forum is of great importance to the cooperation among ASEAN and China, Japan, and South Korea, as it aims to foster mutual understanding, strengthen collaboration, enhance media work, and achieve shared benefits.

On behalf of the Lao media sector, I fully support the theme of this forum: "Increase Inter-connectivity for Common Development and Shared Benefits." This is not only for future development but also for promoting the exchange of knowledge, culture, and innovation.

In recent years, Lao media has always adhered to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, respecting the fundamental principles of the United Nations and supporting all peace-loving nations. We coexist peacefully, actively engage in cultural exchanges, and promote development, bringing progress and prosperity to every country. At the same time, we do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, nor do we criticize or comment on the issues of other nations. Lao media reports are always based on facts, focusing on economic and social development achievements and modernization efforts in ASEAN Plus Three countries.

Over the years, Lao media has always maintained close and continuous cooperation with ASEAN member states as well as China, Japan and South Korea, particularly in enhancing professional capacity, exchanging experiences, and providing modern equipment. These efforts ensure that Lao media is equipped with advanced tools and capabilities to effectively fulfill its duties and strengthen cooperative relations with other nations.

On this occasion, I would like to highlight some examples of cooperation. In recent years, many countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea, have made significant investments in Laos. This has enabled Laos to advance its national development through the exchange of expertise and technology.

Notably, the completion of the China-Laos Railway has led to a substantial increase in the number of tourists visiting Laos. Statistics show that in the first quarter of 2025 alone, the number of international tourists visiting Laos reached 1.2 million, an increase of 28 percent compared with the same period last year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized: "A single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full bloom bring spring to the garden." "The world is, in nature, a place of diverse civilizations."

These words profoundly express the importance of cultural inheritance and preservation, as well as the necessity of openness, peace, and cooperation. They also serve as a guiding principle for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

In conclusion, on behalf of Lao media, I reiterate our commitment to supporting enhanced connectivity among nations for comprehensive development and shared benefits, to drive 10+3 cooperation toward greater achievements in the future.

At this grand forum, I sincerely wish the meeting a complete success and wish all participants good health, professional success, and happiness!

Thank you!