(KPL) Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR Takewaka Keizo hosted a reception to celebrate Japan’s Emperor Naruhito's forthcoming 61^st birthday anniversary (Feb 23) at the Lao Plaza Hotel, Vientiane on Feb 16.

At the reception, Ambassador Takewaka made a speech to review the various achievements during the last year which marked the 65^th anniversary of diplomatic relationship and the 5^th anniversary of strategic relationship between the Lao PDR and Japan, including the visit of Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu to Vientiane in August last year as the first high-level official guest since the outbreak of COVID-19.

He also expressed deep respect and appreciation to the Lao government, medical experts and all those concerned for their tireless efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Ambassador Takewaka, together with Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Laos-Japan Friendship Association Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun, and other VIP guests, performed a Kagami-biraki ceremony (a traditional Japanese sake barrel opening ceremony) and made a toast to wish for good health and every success 2021.

The participants enjoyed photo panels on display at the venue showing the recent activities of the Imperial family, high-level exchanges between the two nations, Japan's cooperation to respond to COVID-19, JOCVS (Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers) and JICA experts contributions among others.

Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Khamjane Vongphosy, Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena, Vice President of the Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly and President of the Laos-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association Khenthong Nuanthasing, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, and Former President of the Laos-Japan Friendship Association Ponmek Dalaloy attended the event.

KPL