Japan-Laos Relations
Meeting between Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan and Mrs. Vandara SIPHANDONE, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Lao People’s Democratic Republic
January 21, 2025



On January 21, commencing at 6:10 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes, Mrs. ISHIBA Yoshiko, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan, had a meeting with Mrs. Vandara SIPHANDONE, Spouse of the Prime Minister of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, who is paying an official working visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Mrs. Ishiba welcomed the visit of Mrs. Vandara Siphandone, and expressed her hope that the visit to Japan by the Prime Minister and Mrs. Vandara Siphandone in the 70th anniversary year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos would be a good opportunity to further deepen the friendly relations between the two countries. Mrs. Vandara Siphandone expressed her gratitude for the welcome from the Japanese side.
- They experienced Ikebana, Japanese traditional flower arrangement together, with the guidance on the history and cultural background of Ikebana from instructors of the Ikebana International Tokyo Founding Chapter, an organization that promotes mutual understanding through Ikebana. Mrs. Siphandone stated that she had a very enjoyable time thanks to the warm hospitality and she would like to try Ikebana with flowers from Laos when she returns home.
- In a friendly atmosphere, they also exchanged views on the traditional cultures and customs of Japan and Laos, and Mrs. Siphandone expressed her hope that Mrs. Ishiba would visit Laos next time and enjoy the culture of Laos.