Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone holds a telephone conversation with Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. – Photo Prime Minister’s Office
VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Thursday (Aug 8) held a telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida to enhance the friendly relations and good cooperation between Laos and Japan, under their strategic partnership.
The heads of government expressed their pleasure at the opportunity to exchange views on strengthening cooperation between the two countries, the Lao Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.
The two leaders said they highly valued the good friendly relations and cooperation between their nations over the past almost 70 years and agreed to jointly organise various activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Laos-Japan strategic partnership in 2025.
They also discussed ways to raise their relations to a new level in the future, and to continue to encourage and promote cooperation in fields such as economics, trade, investment and tourism.
The two premiers also underscored the need to continue to push for direct charter flights to foster links between the nations’ citizens and create a flourishing atmosphere, especially during Visit Laos Year 2024, as well as enable more Japanese investors to explore business opportunities in Laos.
The Lao side expressed its readiness to welcome Prime Minister Kishida and his delegation on an official visit to Laos and their participation in the Asean Summits and related meetings taking place in Vientiane in October.
The Lao PM expressed support for the proposal made by the Japanese side regarding the organisation of the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) summit to coincide with the Asean Summits in October.
The Japanese side noted that Laos has strong potential for the production of renewable and clean energy, which is likely to attract more foreign investors in this field.
PM Kishida invited PM Sonexay to visit Japan in early 2025 to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan. - Vientiane Times/ANN
