March 5, 2025
VIENTIANE – Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his Japanese counterpart Ishiba Shigeru have exchanged congratulatory messages marking the seven-decade diplomatic ties between Laos and Japan (March 5, 1955-March 5, 2025).
The Lao Prime Minister’s message read “On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Japan, on behalf of the government and people of the Lao PDR, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and through Your Excellency to the Government and entire people of Japan for good health, prosperity, and continued success in national development.
“I am deeply delighted and highly value the fruitful outcomes of our long-standing relations and good cooperation between our two countries over the past 70 years, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2025. All of this milestone reflects the success of our strengthened friendly ties and cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the people of our two nations. Furthermore, our two countries have continued to maintain regular coordination, exchange views, and mutual support in the regional and international fora.
“Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the government and people of Japan for the invaluable support and assistance in the socio-economic development of the Lao PDR over the past years. I strongly believe that the flourishing friendship and cooperation between our two countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will be strengthened and developed continuously to bring tangible benefits to our people as well as contribute to peace, stability, and development cooperation in the region and the world at large.
“On this auspicious occasion, I wish Your Excellency good health, happiness, and continued success in your noble duties.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
For his part, PM Shigeru highlighted the growing ties over the past decades and expressed the hope that they would grow further.
His message read, “On this day 70 years ago, Japan and Laos established diplomatic relations. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I am delighted to celebrate this occasion together with the people of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
“I would like to express my gratitude once again for the warm welcome extended to me by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and the people of Laos during my official visit to the Lao PDR in October last year, immediately after I took office as Prime Minister. During Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s official visit to Japan in January this year, we elevated our bilateral relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, marking a significant milestone in our 70-year history of friendship and cooperation, heralding the beginning of a new era. Through our close dialogue and the Joint Statement we signed, we charted a concrete path towards further deepening and expanding our cooperation. I look forward to steadily advancing our cooperation along this path to raise our bilateral relations to even greater heights.
“Furthermore, I wish to strengthen our collaboration to ensure that our excellent bilateral relations contribute to peace, stability, and development in both regional and international contexts, and to work together with Laos to realise a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) based on the rule of law.
“Japan places great importance on cooperation that contributes to Laos’ autonomous and quality economic growth, including fiscal stabilisation. To this end, we will continue to support Laos’ efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, education, healthcare and medical services, climate change measures, disaster risk reduction, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.
“This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the first dispatch of JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers to Laos in 1965. Each volunteer who has served in Laos has made significant contributions to expanding mutual understanding and trust between our countries. Moving forward, we aim to further strengthen the bonds between our nations through enhanced youth and regional exchanges, as well as cooperation in investment and tourism. I hope that the various commemorative events held this year will further promote mutual understanding between our peoples.
“The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, beginning this April, will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase Laos’ wonderful culture and specialty products to Japan and the world, allowing many people to learn more about Laos. I look forward to continuing close cooperation with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone towards the success of this exposition.
“In closing, I extend my heartfelt wishes for the continued prosperity and happiness of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and the people of Laos.”