(KPL)  The Lao and Japanese parliaments reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other in regional and international parliamentary forums, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The commitment was made on October 21 during a meeting between Ms. Thammaly Vongphachanh, President of the Lao National Assembly’s Justice Committee, and Mr. Hoshi Hokuto, Head of Japan’s House of Councilors, who was visiting Vientiane to attend the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly at the invitation of the Lao National Assembly.

During the meeting, Ms. Thammaly expressed her gratitude for Mr. Hoshi's speech on Japan-ASEAN relations and highlighted the strong ties between Japan and Laos. She praised Japan’s remarkable achievements, noting its modern industry, high economic growth, and its position as the world’s third-largest economy after the United States and China.

Ms. Thammaly also commended Japan’s contributions to global peace, stability, and sustainable development, particularly its growing role within ASEAN. Japan’s increasing influence in both regional and global affairs was also acknowledged.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on March 5, 1955, Laos and Japan have enjoyed a long-standing friendship, which was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2015. This relationship has been marked by regular high-level exchanges and cooperation across various sectors. Japan has played a significant role in Laos’ socio-economic development, with investments in 106 projects worth USD 121 million. Additionally, Japan remains Laos’ largest development partner, providing annual assistance valued at USD 90-100 million.

The cooperation between the Lao and Japanese legislative bodies has continued to develop, with both sides frequently exchanging high-level visits and collaborating in regional and international forums such as AIPA, APPF, ASEP, and IPU. Laos is set to host Ms. Sujia, Chairperson of the Japan-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Committee, and her delegation in early 2024.

Looking ahead, Ms. Thammaly proposed several key areas for enhancing cooperation between the two legislative bodies, including ongoing high-level exchanges, further collaboration on implementing bilateral agreements, and supporting the completion of Japanese investment projects in Laos. She also emphasized the importance of Japan’s continued assistance in human resource development for Laos, particularly for the National Assembly and the Provincial People’s Council, while encouraging more Japanese investment and tourism in the country.

KPL