July 29, 2024
VIENTIANE – Laos and Japan have reiterated their intention to strengthen their relations and friendship under their flourishing strategic partnership, which is reflected in the regular reciprocal visits made by high-ranking officials from the two countries.
As part of regular exchanges to further bilateral cooperation, a meeting between top government officials from Laos and Japan took place in Vientiane on Friday during an official visit by a Japanese delegation led by Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, scheduled for July 25-27.
The two sides reviewed the growing relationship between Laos and Japan over past years and expressed deep appreciation of the friendly relations and positive outcomes of their strategic partnership.
It was noted that bilateral cooperation in various sectors has grown and been implemented practically in a formal and successful manner through active cooperation and support in the regional and international arenas.
The two sides are currently planning activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.
At the same time, the Lao side expressed its readiness to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida when he attends the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane in October.
The two parties discussed the direction of future plans, which centre on the two countries’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs continuing their collaboration and pushing forward with meetings between the leaders of Laos and Japan.
They pledged to actively implement the work plans agreed to under various Laos-Japan cooperation projects and ensure they meet set targets.
The two sides also agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, as well as in the fields of education, training, culture, tourism and other sectors, and exchanged opinions on regional and international events of common interest.
The Lao side expressed appreciation for the support and assistance of the Japanese government and people over past years, especially in the provision of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for human resource and infrastructure development, the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO), and other areas.
Lao officials voiced their gratitude for Japan’s improvement of the Anouvong Stadium in Vientiane and support for Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN this year, all of which have made a meaningful contribution to the government’s socio-economic development plans.
The two sides reaffirmed their intention to continue to cooperate and support each other for the development of the region, and to strengthen ASEAN-Japan cooperation.
The Japanese delegation reiterated their commitment to strengthen cooperation with the Lao government under the Japan-Laos strategic partnership and to bolster Japan-ASEAN cooperation, as well as continuing to support Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship throughout 2024.