Press Releases
Japan-Laos Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
May 25, 2023
On May 25, commencing at 2:50 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi welcomed the increasingly active exchanges at all levels between Japan and Laos, which is an important strategic partner for Japan. With Laos assuming the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024, Minister Hayashi stated that Japan will continue to provide maximum support to realize a successful series of meetings. In response, Minister Saleumxay expressed appreciation for Japan’s support.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan will continue to provide support that contributes to the economic and social development of Laos, referring to Japan’s recent assistance, such as grant aid for clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO), grant aid for financing young officials’ studies in Japan, and a loan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Monsoon Wind Power Project in southern Laos. Minister Saleumxay expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in a variety of sectors. In addition, the two Ministers confirmed that Japan and Laos will advance security cooperation and continue to coordinate closely in a range of areas in international fora.
- The two Ministers also held an exchange of views on regional affairs. Minister Hayashi referred to the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and the two Ministers affirmed their commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the view that any unilateral change of the status quo by force is not acceptable anywhere in the world. The two Ministers also shared the view to continue to work together in dealing with the situation in the South China Sea, on North Korea including the nuclear, missile, and abductions issue, and the situation in Myanmar.
- The two Ministers affirmed that they will work closely together for the convening of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December, towards Laos’ assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship next year, and for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos in 2025.