KPL
The Lao Government has awarded the Friendship Medal to Japanese Ambassador to Laos Koizumi Tsutomu in recognition of his contributions to strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries during his diplomatic mission in the Lao PDR.
(KPL) The medal was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane during a farewell meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 11, 2026.
Thongsavanh praised the steady development of Lao-Japanese relations over the past 70 years, highlighting the elevation of bilateral ties from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
He also commended the ambassador's active role during his two years and four months in Laos, particularly in promoting cooperation in politics, public health, infrastructure, education, sports, culture, agriculture, forestry and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.
The minister noted that Koizumi had helped advance cooperation projects between the two governments, maintain Japanese development assistance to Laos and strengthen mutual support in bilateral and multilateral forums.
He also highlighted the ambassador's role in promoting high-level exchanges, particularly the official visit of Princess Aiko of Japan to Laos in November 2025, her first official overseas visit, which marked an important milestone in bilateral relations.
The ambassador also made visits to several provinces, meeting local authorities and gaining firsthand insight into development activities and cooperation projects.
In response, Koizumi expressed gratitude to the Lao Government and people, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their support and cooperation throughout his diplomatic mission.
He said he was honoured to receive the Friendship Medal and pledged to continue supporting efforts to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Laos and Japan in the future.
KPL
