Japan-Laos Relations

Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed President Thongloun’s visit to Japan on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos. He expressed his intention to further develop the bilateral cooperation by realizing the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” that was elevated this year. In response, President Thongloun expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Japanese side and stated that he was pleased with the development of bilateral relations in a wide range of areas. He also expressed his desire to further strengthen the relationship on the occasion of the 70th anniversary. Prime Minister Ishiba also expressed his appreciation for the invitation extended to Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko to visit Laos on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. President Thongloun stated that he would be honored to welcome Her Imperial Highness to Laos.

The two leaders exchanged views on how to further advance the bilateral relationship under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

1. Prime Minister Ishiba stated that Japan will continue to support Laos’s efforts to enhance its economic resilience and stabilize its public finances for autonomous and quality economic development. He also stated that Japan will continue to cooperate in strengthening the resilience of the Mekong region against disasters, playing a role in disaster prevention.
2. The two leaders concurred in promoting efforts toward the early conclusion of a tax convention, with a view to further enhancing investment and economic exchanges between the two countries.
3. In light of Japan’s long-standing support for the drafting and implementation of Laos’s Civil Code and other legal instruments, the two leaders reaffirmed to continue strengthening governance of Laos. They also welcomed the publication of a joint research book as a result of bilateral collaboration.
4. The two leaders concurred in deepening cooperation in the field of security.
5. The two leaders shared the intention to further advance cooperation in the fields of energy and decarbonization under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative, for which a summit meeting was held last year in Laos.
6. President Thongloun announced that the visa exemption period for general Japanese travelers to Laos will be extended to 30 days starting from June 1, and Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his gratitude.

The two leaders confirmed that Japan and Laos will continue to work closely together in addressing challenges faced by the international community, including the situations in the East and South China Seas, North Korea including the nuclear, missile and abduction issues, Myanmar and the Middle East.