Laos, Japan elevate ties to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’


Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (left) and his Japanese counterpart Ishiba Shigeru congratulating each other after signing a joint statement to elevate Laos-Japan ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. - VT

VIENTIANE: Laos and Japan have opened a new chapter in their bilateral ties by elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Meeting in Tokyo, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his Japanese counterpart Ishiba Shigeru on Tuesday (Jan 21) signed a joint statement raising the two countries’ ties to a new level.

The Lao leader is on an official working visit to Japan from Jan 20 to 23 to enhance relations and mark the 70th anniversary and the 60th anniversary of Japan providing volunteer workers to Laos.

The two countries have also designated 2025 as the Year of Friendship, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

During their talks, the two prime ministers exchanged views on ways to bolster cooperation between their two countries. They agreed to encourage their business sectors to work towards setting up direct flights between Laos and Japan in the near future to facilitate people-to-people contacts.

Laos also plans to extend the visa waiver for ordinary Japanese citizens from 15 to 30 days.

“The Lao and Japanese prime ministers are pleased to continue working together to push cooperation in economic affairs,” the Lao ministry said, adding that this aims to increase trade and investment.

The two heads of government said they highly valued the growing bilateral ties and cooperation between their countries’ political parties, states, parliaments and peoples over the past seven decades.

This is reflected by the regular mutual visits undertaken by leaders from the two countries, while cooperation and Japan-aided projects have seen significant progress.

The two premiers also shared views on regional and international issues of common interest. They agreed to offer reciprocal support on the regional and international stages, particularly through the Asean-Japan and Mekong-Japan frameworks, as well as through the United Nations.

PM Sonexay expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and expressed his pleasure at meeting PM Shigeru again after their earlier meeting in Vientiane during the Asean Summit and related meetings in October 2024.

The Lao PM also expressed gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the government and people of Japan, a key provider of Official Development Assistance, which has contributed significantly to Laos’ socio-economic development.

The Lao side highlighted key areas of Japan’s assistance, in particular for human resource development, health, agriculture and forestry, infrastructure development and unexploded ordnance clearance. Japan was also a key supporter of Laos’ 2024 Asean chairmanship.

Prime Minister Sonexay congratulated Japan on its hosting of the upcoming World Expo 2025, also known as Expo Osaka 2025, and said Laos was actively preparing to participate in the exposition.

PM Shigeru offered a warm welcome and thanked his Lao guest for accepting his invitation and visiting Japan.

He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing to provide support and assistance to the Lao government and people, through both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed an exchange of notes on grant aid from the Japanese government for the improvement of provincial teacher development centres.

The Laos-Japan business forum and a celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties will also be organised as part of PM Sonexay’s visit. - Vientiane Times/ANN

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Laos , Japan , partnership

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (Feb 18, 2025)
Teen Carousell scammer in Singapore admits to cheating offences, impregnating underage girl
Singapore to fork out billions for Changi airport upgrades
India's Gauhati High Court grants interim bail to YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani in obscenity case
Scandal-hit Bangkok MP denies sexual assault allegations against Taiwanese tourist
Part-time training allowance, corporate income tax rebate: Singapore's Budget 2025 help for workers and firms
Singapore's Budget 2025 to see 9.6% rise in expenditure
Wishing we last Pho-ever: Eatery owner in Vietnam goes viral as Faye Wong lookalike
Philippines reports foreign cyber intrusions targeting intelligence data, but no breaches
HK actor Louis Koo shocked as fan appears to kiss him on the cheek without permission

Others Also Read