(KPL) President Thongloun Sisoulith met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the occasion of his participation in the 28th International Conference on The Future of Asia (May 25-26) in Tokyo, Japan on May 25.

Emperor Naruhito highly valued President Thongloun’s visit and participation in the 28th International Conference on The Future of Asia, noting that his visit contributed to strengthening the sound relations of friendship and cooperation between Laos and Japan.

For his part, President Thongloun reaffirmed his strong commitment to further strengthening the relations and cooperation between Laos and Japan to bring concrete benefits to peoples of the two countries, and actively contributing to the regional and international cooperation and development.

He noted that the relations of friendship and cooperation between Laos and Japan has been unstoppably promoted and developed with cooperation between the two governments, Parties, parliaments and friendship associations of the two countries proactively promoted.

Peoples of the two countries have developed a close bond and provide mutual assistance in a prompt manner when the other side is hit by natural disasters.

President Thongloun also expressed on behalf of the Lao people gratitude to the government and people of Japan for always extending assistance to the Lao PDR, supporting the implementation of its national socio-economic development plan, especially human resource development, health, basic infrastructure development, agriculture and forestry, unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance, and Covid-19 response.

Lao students receiving quality education in Japan have returned to Laos and contributed significantly to the development of their motherland.

Japanese investment in the Lao PDR shows an increasing trend, especially in agriculture, processing industry and services.

He emphasized that Japanese investment is of high quality and contributes significantly to the development and job creation in the Lao PDR.

The president noted that in the Lao PDR there are many sectors with high potential for Japanese investment, especially in tourism.

Peoples of the two countries enjoy sound relations and cooperation and more and more tourists from the two countries are wishing to visit each other.

The president suggested that it is necessary for the two countries to facilitate people exchange, especially through reopening direct flights in line with the Laos-Japan bilateral aviation agreement.

In addition, the president expressed his hope to welcome the visit of the Japanese Emperor or his royal members to the Lao PDR in 2025 when the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties (March 5, 1955-2025), noting that the visit will further enhance the sound relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

KPL