(KPL) The opening ceremony of the 12th Laos Festival was held in Tokyo, Japan on May 25.

Officiated by Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavan Viyaketh, the opening ceremony saw the presence of Japan’s Minister of Public Works and President of the Japan-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Association Tsuchiya Shinako, Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Masahiro Komura, Ambassador of Laos to Japan Phongsamout Anlavanh and relevant officials.

“Laos Festival 2024 is a cultural event for the Japanese people, especially the residents of Tokyo, and it is an activity that contributes to strengthening the friendship, good cooperation and strategic partnership between Laos and Japan. It enhances mutual understanding between the peoples of Laos and Japan whose friendship and cooperation have been longstanding,” said Minister Suansavan Viyaketh.

The event also aims to promote Visit Laos Year 2024.

Laos and Japan will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership next year.  

Last year, over 24,800 Japanese tourists visited Laos as in the first 3 months of 2024, more than 9,300 Japanese nationals visited the Lao PDR, a 50% increase compared to the same period last year.

During the Laos festival, the participants also enjoyed cultural performances by Lao national artists and tasting Lao traditional foods.

KPL