ສະພາແຫ່ງຊາດ ຮັບຮອງການສະເໜີແຕ່ງຕັ້ງ ຄະນະລັດຖະບານຊຸດໃໝ່ (UPDATE)

NA approves cabinet reshuffle

The National Assembly approved the appointment proposal with regard to the ministerial reshuffle made by the government at its ongoing session in Vientiane yesterday.

Governor of Bokeo province Mr Khammanh Sounvileuth is now to be Minister of Home Affairs, replacing Mr Xaysi Santivong who will move to a new post.

The Governor of Luang Prabang province Dr Khampheng Saysompheng became the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, replacing Ms Onechanh Thammavong who will retire.

The Governor of Vientiane province Mr Khammeung Phongthady moved to become the Minister and Head of the President’s Office, replacing Mr Phongsavath Boupha who will retire.

The Minister to the Government Office Mr Sommad Pholsena took up the position as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, replacing Mr Noulinh Sinbandhit who will retire.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Phet Phomphiphak was appointed the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, replacing Mr Vilayvanh Phomkhe who will retire.

The appointment of Dr Phet as the minister took place shortly after he was elected Party Secretary of the ministry at its Fifth Congress which was held in Vientiane last week.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Mr Khammany Inthirath was appointed as Minister, replacing Mr Soulivong Daravong who will retire.

Mr Khammany was elected Party Secretary of the ministry earlier this year at the Second Party Congress of the ministry held in Vientiane.

Acting Minister of Public Security Brigadier General Somkeo Silavong now becomes the full minister at the ministry.

This is the most major change to the cabinet since the first session of the Seventh Legislature of the National Assembly in 2011. The ministerial reshuffle is aimed at responding to political needs and national development requirements. Party Politburo Member and Deputy Prime Mini ster in charge of Economic Affairs Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, on behalf of Prime Minister Mr Thongsing Thammavong, presented the appointment proposal for the NA members to consider and approve.

Mr Somsavat confirmed to the NA session that all appointed cabinet members are those who have a firm political nature, knowledge, capacity and experience.

They have become models of leadership and the gathering of solidarity among officials in developing their sectors. They have also been trained through real works and tasks entrusted by the Party and government at both central and local levels.

Yesterday’s session of the National Assembly, which was chaired by NA President Ms Pany Yathotou, approved the appointment proposal of the government with a majority of votes.

By Times Reporters