US President Barack Obama on September 6 pledged to provide Laos with 90 million USD to implement a three-year project to detect and remove dozens of millions of unexploded bombs dropped by the US.
US President Barack Obama speaks at the Lao National Cultural Hall. (Source: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – US President Barack Obama on September 6 pledged to provide Laos with 90 million USD to implement a three-year project to detect and remove dozens of millions of unexploded bombs dropped by the US troops during the wartime.
According to the CNN, the money will be used to help Laos search for around 80 million unexploded cluster bombs dropped in a secret campaign as part of the war in Vietnam 40 years ago.
Lao President Bounhang Vorachit welcomed the decision as a measure to boot mutual trust.
During 1964-1973, the US bombers released more than two million tonnes of bombs in Laos in an effort to disrupt the Vietnamese army’s supply lines.
According to the non-governmental organisation Legacies of War, based in the US, less than one percent of unexploded bombs in Laos have been removed so far.
Since 2010, the US has increased the fund for the removal of unexploded ordnance and supporting bomb and mine victims as the Congress authorised the government to spend at least 5 million USD each year on the clearance of unexploded ordnance.
Thi🅘s year, the Congress passed 𒈔a budget of 19.5 million USD for the work.-VNA
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc arrived at Wattay airport in the Lao capital city of Vientiane at noon on September 6 to attend the 28 th &29 th ASEAN Summits and related meetings.
The 28th & 29th Summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) kicked off in Vientiane, Laos, on September 6, focusing on efforts in building the ASEAN Community.
ASEAN needs to define priorities and devise creative ways to implement set plans relating to the organisational structure of the group and intra-bloc links in politics, economy and socio-culture.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
US President Barack Obama speaks at the Lao National Cultural Hall. (Source: AFP/VNA)
