(260323) -- VIENTIANE, March 23, 2026 (Xinhua) -- President of the Lao National Assembly (NA) Xaysomphone Phomvihane (front, R) congratulates Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (front, L) in Vientiane, Laos, March 23, 2026. The first session of the 10th Lao National Assembly elected Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, as President of Laos on Monday. Sonexay Siphandone, a politburo member of the LPRP's Central Committee, was elected Prime Minister. The session also elected the Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Vice Presidents of the National Assembly. (Lao News Agency/Handout via Xinhua)