Press Releases
Japan-Laos Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Dinner
November 10, 2023
On November 10, commencing at 7:25 p.m., Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a bilateral meeting and dinner with H.E. Mr. Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, during his visit to Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overview of the meeting and dinner is as follows:
- Introduction
Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received from the Lao side during her visit to Laos last month. She also said that she would like to work with Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay to take the "Strategic Partnership" between the two countries to new heights, seizing the opportunity of the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year, the ASEAN chairmanship of Laos next year, and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos in 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed his pleasure to see Minister Kamikawa again following last month, and his gratitude to Japan for its invitation and hospitality. He also expressed his appreciation for Japan's support for Laos' socioeconomic development and its ASEAN chairmanship next year. He said that he would like to continue to work closely with Minister Kamikawa in strengthening bilateral relations and in addressing regional and international issues. - Bilateral Relations
- Minister Kamikawa stated that it is gratifying that the exchange of dignitaries between the two countries, including Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay's visit to Japan, has been more active, and that she hoped to further strengthen bilateral relations through the exchange of dignitaries. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay welcomed that bilateral relations have been deepened and the strategic partnership has been strengthened through various high-level dialogues.
- Minister Kamikawa referred to Japan's support for Laos' socioeconomic development so far and stated that Japan would like to continue to support Laos' sustainable and self-sustaining socioeconomic development, including its support for Laos' efforts to address fiscal stabilization. She also stated that Japan would like to continue to cooperate with Laos to promote investment by Japanese companies. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed his gratitude for Japan's support in various areas of socio-economic development and his desire to expand cooperation with Japan in a wide range of areas, including human resources development.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that women's participation in disaster response and reconstruction is important and that she would like to strengthen cooperation on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed his support for the importance of WPS.
- Minister Kamikawa welcomed the signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes on the Cultural Grant Assistance for the Project for the Reconstruction of the Chao Anouvong Stadium. Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay expressed his gratitude for Japan's cooperation and his desire to continue working together to ensure that the project proceeds smoothly. In addition, the two foreign ministers shared their view to continue to promote cultural exchange and people-to-people exchange.
- Regional and International Affairs
Minister Kamikawa and Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay also exchanged candid views on regional and international affairs and shared their view on the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law and the importance of resolving issues through peaceful means. They also concurred in working more closely together in dealing with regional and international situations, including the strengthening of ASEAN Connectivity, North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, the situation in the East and South China Seas, Myanmar, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Israel and Palestine. In addition, Minister Kamikawa asked for continued understanding and support for the discharge of ALPS treated water.
Minister Kamikawa also stated that she strongly supports Laos' slogan of "Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience" as the ASEAN chair for 2024, and the two ministers also concurred in working together tirelessly toward the Commemorative Summit meeting for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December and ASEAN-related meetings next year under the Lao chairmanship.