Press Releases

1. On February 12, a Japanese cherry tree planting ceremony (approximately 220 trees were planted) was held in Houaphanh Province, northern Lao People’s Democratic Republic, as one of the major events of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Lao PDR diplomatic relations.

2. The cooperation of a large number of relevant people from both countries, including Asian Development with the Disabled Persons (ADDP), the Saitama-Laos Friendly Association, The Association of Creating an International Environment (ACIE), and officials from Houaphanh Province, Lao PDR, contributed to holding this ceremony.

3. This ceremony was attended from the Japanese side by Mr. Takeo Kawamura, Chairman, Japan-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Association, Mr. Hiroyuki Kishino, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR, Mr. Eita Yashiro, former Minister of Posts and Telecommunications (ADDP Advisor), Mr. Susumu Takahashi, Chairman, Saitama-Laos Friendly Association, and others; and was attended from the Lao PDR side by a large number of relevant people, including H.E. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, and H.E. Dr. Khamhoung Heuangvongsy, Governor of Houaphanh Province. In addition, a message of congratulations to both countries’ participants from Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, was conveyed at the ceremony.

4. As a symbol of Japan, Japanese cherry trees are also adopted for the logo of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Lao PDR diplomatic relations. In line with that logo, it is hoped that the Japanese cherry trees that were planted at this ceremony will blossom in the Lao PDR in the near future, and become a symbol of the friendship in the Japan-Lao PDR relationship.