World

The Lao National Election Committee on Monday officially announced the 175 elected members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature following the nationwide vote held on Feb. 22.

In the opening months of 2026, smouldering tensions between nations have suddenly flared into open conflict, threatening to spread further. As successive “red lines” are crossed and strategic calculations overshadow trust, the world faces many crises, making diplomatic solutions more urgent than ever.

The European Commission (EC) has decided to provisionally implement the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), despite legal challenges it may face. This move demonstrates the EU’s efforts to implement its strategy of diversifying partnerships, strengthening autonomy, and reinforcing supply chains.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he has agreed to resume nuclear negotiations with Iran's new leadership.

The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Iran on Saturday, following massive military attacks on the country launched by the United States and Israel earlier in the day.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the military escalation in the Middle East, saying that the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security.

Iran and the US moved swiftly to launch their third round of indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, under Omani mediation, against a backdrop of heightened regional security tensions. Reports on the outcome have been mixed: while Iran and Oman described significant progress, Israeli media claimed the US delegation left the room frustrated.

More than merely a summary of achievements in steering the country over the past year, the 2026 State of the Union address delivered by US President Donald Trump is regarded as a political strategy aimed at reinforcing confidence among leaders and the public in the administration’s policy decisions, while reaffirming priorities for the period ahead.

Ukraine-U.S. talks in Geneva concluded and preparations are underway for the next round of negotiations, Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said Thursday evening in a post on X.

The French government led by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu survived two no-confidence votes on Wednesday after deputies in the National Assembly rejected the motions.

The conflict in Ukraine has entered its fifth year and there is still no glimmer of hope for an end. The UN General Assembly has just passed a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, but this protracted conflict is revealing cracks in the heart of Europe.

Thailand's Election Commission on Wednesday officially certified the election results for 396 constituency seats in the 500-member House of Representatives following the Feb. 8 general election.

The world is witnessing an unprecedented surge in conflicts and violence since the end of the second World War, with severe repercussions for the lives of millions and the eruption of numerous humanitarian crises.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday reiterated his call for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as a first step toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

Lao Airlines, the national flag carrier of Laos, has announced it will resume direct flights linking the Lao capital of Vientiane with Viet Nam’s central city of Da Nang from March 29.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and other international organisations in Geneva, is leading a delegation to attend the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) where they will engage proactively in consultations on 36 draft resolutions and introduce two initiatives.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi said on Sunday that the next round of U.S.-Iran talks will take place on Thursday in Geneva.

Voting began at 7:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Sunday for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils in Laos. A total of 175 members will be elected to the 10th National Assembly, along with 745 members to serve on the fifth Provincial People's Councils.

The United Nations is very concerned about the situation surrounding Iran, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said Friday.

Transport Ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently met in Turkey to seek measures to promote rail and road corridors linking the Gulf with Europe and Africa. The conference reflected the OIC’s efforts to enhance regional connectivity, strengthen supply chains, and humanitarian logistics.