'They must be protected': Lao PM pledges to safeguard children's rights
VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Ahead of the International Children's Day on June 1, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone extended warm wishes to all Lao children and youth, reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing and protecting children's rights.
Local Pasaxon newspaper reported on Friday that in his message, Sonexay extended heartfelt wishes, love, and warm greetings to all children and youth of Laos, from every ethnic group, both at home and abroad.
He expressed hope that they grow up happy, physically, mentally, and intellectually strong.
He also added the govt will do all to ensure their children become responsible, disciplined, honest, creative, and confident individuals who seek to develop new skills and adapt to a changing world. - Xinhua
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Norway launches new scheme to attract researchers from outside Europe
OSLO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Norwegian government on Monday announced the launch of a new scheme aimed at attracting experienced researchers from outside Europe to Norway, in a bid to boost the quality and internationalization of the country's research sector. "Norway must be proactive in a demanding situation for academic freedom in the world," said Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland in a statement, adding that the situation for researchers in countries like the United States "makes it urgent to offer attractive schemes to ensure that skilled researchers want to settle and work in Norway." The program will have a total budget of 300 million Norwegian kroner (29.8 million U.S. dollars), to be allocated over the period from 2025 to 2028. The initiative is designed to enhance the mobility of researchers and to strengthen the ability of Norwegian research institutions to connect with talented international scholars. "Through this call, we want to contribute to more predictability, both for researchers and research institutions," said Mari Sundli Tveit, director of the Research Council of Norway. (1 Norwegian krone = 0.099 U.S. dollar)
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
China chamber decries EU discriminatory curbs on Chinese medical device firms
BRUSSELS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) on Monday decried a decision by EU member states to block Chinese companies from participating in public procurement tenders in the medical device sector for contracts valued over 5 million euros (5.72 million U.S. dollars) under the bloc's International Procurement Instrument (IPI). The measures, reportedly approved on Monday, would prohibit Chinese firms from bidding on such contracts for a five-year period. In a statement, the CCCEU expressed profound disappointment and serious concern over the decision, warning that the targeted use of the IPI against Chinese enterprises sends a troubling signal. The chamber stressed that the measures not only "add new complexity to China-EU economic and trade relations," but also contradict the EU's proclaimed principles of openness, fairness, and non-discrimination in market access. The IPI, a unilateral tool adopted by the EU in 2022, aims to ensure the so-called "market reciprocity" in public procurement. The CCCEU argued that any push for reciprocity must be based on "an accurate understanding of historical and practical realities," noting European medical device companies have enjoyed significant access to China's market for years. "The EU's current decision fails to acknowledge this context and undermines the spirit of balanced engagement and mutual benefit," it said. The chamber also voiced broader concerns over rising protectionism, pointing to recent unilateral tariff measures by certain countries that have disrupted global trade. "China and the EU, as two major global economies, should jointly uphold free trade and multilateral cooperation, instead of introducing unilateral restrictions that escalate tensions," the statement added. Chinese firms have "consistently operated in compliance with laws and regulations," the chamber added, stressing their contributions to the EU through investment, technological advancement and job creation. The CCCEU has urged EU policymakers to reconsider the "necessity and long-term implications" of the IPI measures, warning that using policy tools as de facto trade barriers could harm bilateral interests and undermine global economic recovery efforts. (1 euro = 1.14 U.S. dollar)
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Italy celebrates Republic Day with various activities
ROME, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Italy on Monday marked the 79th anniversary of its founding as a republic, with President Sergio Mattarella calling for peace and international cooperation. The centerpiece of the day's activities was the traditional flyover by Air Force jets and a parade that passed the ancient Roman Forum. This year's celebration also featured a parachute display, during which parachutists released smoke in the colors of the Italian flag and unfurled giant banners as they descended. Mattarella was joined by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the presidents of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, numerous government ministers, and mayors representing hundreds of cities and towns across the country. To mark the holiday, museums and cultural landmarks offered free admission to the public.
