Japan-Laos Relations

Prime Minister Abe started the meeting by stating that he is happy to be able to meet with Prime Minister Thongsing once again, the "Strategic Partnership" between the countries has been developing in a multilayered manner through projects related to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and investment by Japanese companies, and he intends to further deepen Japan's cooperative relationship with Laos, which will serve as the ASEAN chair country next year. Prime Minister Abe also commented that Japan is promoting quality infrastructure investments, including investments in the construction of hydroelectric plants that will be friendly to local residents and the environment, Japan has recently decided to provide a yen loan of approximately 10 billion yen in order to expand the waterworks in Vientiane, and Japan intends to further promote infrastructure cooperation with Laos through the "Partnership for Quality Infrastructure."

In response, Prime Minister Thongsing stated that he is happy to be meeting with Prime Minister Abe once again, cooperative relations between Japan and Laos have been deepening under the "Strategic Partnership," he would like to thank the Government of Japan for its support, in particular he would like to thank Japan for its support regarding the water supply expansion project worth approximately 10 billion yen this year, Japan has garnered high praise for the strategic cooperation that it has been providing since the launch of ASEAN, and Japan has also been giving support to young persons through international student exchanges and so on. Prime Minister Thongshing added that Laos will be the ASEAN chair country next year and will be the first ASEAN chair country after the ASEAN Community is launched, there are a variety of challenges ahead, he would like for Prime Minister Abe to attend the ASEAN Summit Meeting next year, he will work hard for the realization of the ASEAN Vision 2025, and he intends to contribute to the success of the Eighth Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting.

Next, Prime Minister Abe stated that based on the establishment of "Legislation for Peace and Security", Japan intends to strengthen cooperation with Laos in the area of security, this year is an important year marking the anniversary of the launch of the ASEAN Community and the 10th anniversary of the East Asia Summit (EAS), Japan intends to continue providing comprehensive support for ASEAN integration, and Japan will support the role of Laos as next year's ASEAN chair country.

Prime Minister Thongshing responded by commenting that, in regard to Japan's recent establishment of legislation for peace and security, he understands that unlike other countries, Japan has established strict standards regarding the use of weapons since the end of World War II, he would like for Japan to contribute to peace in the region and international community in the same way as before, and he believes that gains for Japan are gains for the international community.