KPL
The enduring and robust partnership between the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Japan was underscored today during a significant meeting between Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Ms. Miyazaki Katsura, Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Ms. Miyazaki and her delegation are currently in Laos to monitor the progress of aid provided by the Japanese government.PM Sonexay extended a warm welcome to Ms. Miyazaki and her delegation, commending JICA's ongoing efforts. He highly praised the continuous growth of bilateral cooperation between Laos and Japan, noting the increasing frequency of high-level exchanges and visits by delegations from various sectors of both nations. The Prime Minister highlighted the official visit of Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko of Japan to the Lao PDR in November 2025 as a particularly significant event, symbolising the deep friendship and cooperation between the two countries.Japan has consistently been a pivotal development partner for Laos, ranking as the top bilateral donor. Over the period of 2019-2024, Japanese funding has been strategically channelled into key sectors such as education, public health, economic infrastructure development, and agriculture-forestry. These initiatives are meticulously aligned with the priority plans and programmes of the Lao PDR government.The assistance from Japan is delivered through a diverse array of modalities, including technical cooperation, short-term and long-term training programmes, non-project aid, grassroots assistance, cooperation via international organisations, support for UXO clearance, grant aid projects, and concessional loans. Furthermore, collaboration extends to volunteer programmes and scholarships aimed at human resource development.Despite the current global challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East and worldwide economic and financial crises, the Japanese government has demonstrated unwavering commitment. Prime Minister Sonxay acknowledged Japan's persistent efforts to secure and provide continuous funding to support the Lao PDR, a testament to the sincerity and strength of their bilateral ties.In response, Ms. Miyazaki Katsura conveyed her gratitude for the warm reception from Prime Minister Sonexay. She also expressed her high appreciation for the successful cooperation between Japan and Laos, particularly through JICA's initiatives. Ms. Miyazaki reaffirmed JICA's readiness to continue supporting the implementation of Laos' socio-economic development plan and its overarching goal of graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.This meeting reinforces the strategic partnership between Laos and Japan, signalling a mutual commitment to close collaboration for the benefit of both nations' peoples and the sustainable development of the Lao PDR.KPL
