Japan-Laos Relations
Japan-Laos Summit Telephone Talk
March 1, 2022
On March 1, commencing at 6:10 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with H.E. Dr. Phankham Viphavanh, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. An overview of the telephone talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he would like to further develop the "strategic partnership" between the two countries to achieve a "free and open Indo-Pacific" together with Prime Minister Phankham, who is knowledgeable about Japan. In response, Prime Minister Phankham congratulated Prime Minister Kishida on his appointment to office and stated that he would like to expand and develop the bilateral relationship by working closely together with Prime Minister Kishida.
- Prime Minister Kishida expressed his commitment to continue support for countermeasures against COVID-19 and for strengthening connectivity. In response, Prime Minister Phankham expressed his gratitude for Japan's support to date including countermeasures against COVID-19. The two leaders also affirmed that they would develop ASEAN-Japan relations taking the opportunity of next year’s 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
- Prime Minister Kishida strongly condemned Russia's aggression of Ukraine as a unilateral change of the status quo by force that shakes the foundation of international order. As a prime minister from Hiroshima and from the only country to have experienced atomic bombings, he stated that neither the threat nor the use of nuclear weapons should be tolerated. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his expectations that Laos and ASEAN would show their clear support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders also affirmed to continue to work together in dealing with North Korea, including on the abduction issue, and in addressing the South China Sea issue. Furthermore, the two leaders shared the view to continue to work closely together to resolve the situation in Myanmar.
- In conclusion, the two leaders affirmed to continue to prepare appropriate celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan in 2025.