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Laos grateful for humanitarian supplies

By Lieutenant Carolyn Martin
14 November 2025

A Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules delivered 11 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies to Laos this week.

The delivery was part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 (IPE25), Australia's flagship regional defence engagement program, which Laos hosted this year.

Australian Ambassador to Laos Megan Jones, Commander of IPE25 Brigadier Jen Harris and Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Nick Beumer officially handed over the supplies to Lao Minister for Labour and Social Welfare Phosay Sayasone at Wattay International Airport, Vientiane.

Mr Sayasone said the supplies, which included stainless steel kitchen kits, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, blankets and mosquito nets, would be prepositioned to areas of need.

"These prepositioned humanitarian supplies are timely and valuable and will help us respond more effectively and promptly to the needs of families affected by natural disasters when they occur across the country, especially during the rainy season," he said.

The arrival - towards the end of Laos' rainy season - was timely, as areas of the country were recently threatened by Tropical Cyclone Kalmaegi.

Ms Jones said Australia remained committed to supporting the Lao Government's efforts to prepare for and respond to natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies.

"We are also pleased to know that the humanitarian supplies delivered over the past three years have supported many families affected by flooding across several provinces in Laos," she said.

More than 70 tonnes of relief supplies have been delivered to Laos as part of IPE over the past three years.

Brigadier Harris said Australia's Defence relationship with Laos continued to build on more than 20 years of engagements.

"This year, as part of IPE25, as well as delivering humanitarian relief supplies, we are sharing knowledge on humanitarian and relief operations, and women, peace and security issues," Brigadier Harris said.

"Together we are enhancing our connectivity and resilience by building the capacity of our personnel and preparing our defence forces to respond to the needs of the region, especially in terms of humanitarian and disaster relief preparations."