(KPL)Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Tuesday welcomed Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko of Japan at the Government Office in Vientiane, as the Princess continued her official visit to the Lao PDR from 17–21 November 2025.

The Prime Minister described the visit as a historic milestone in Laos–Japan relations and an important step in advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreed by the two countries’ premiers in January 2025. The visit also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 60th anniversary of the Japanese volunteer programme in Laos.

Mr Sonexay said the Lao leadership and people were honoured to receive the Princess, who represents His Majesty the Emperor and the Japanese Imperial Family. He expressed hope that Princess Aiko would enjoy her visit to cultural and historical sites in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

During their talks, both sides praised the long-standing friendship and expanding cooperation between Laos and Japan, citing progress in trade, investment, human resource development, public health, agriculture, infrastructure, UXO clearance, the Japanese volunteer programme, and cultural exchange. The Prime Minister also voiced hopes of further strengthening people-to-people ties under the 2015 bilateral air services agreement.

Princess Aiko expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and congratulated Mr Sonexay on receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in July 2025, Japan’s highest honour for foreign dignitaries. She highlighted his role in advancing the bilateral partnership and supporting Japanese volunteers working in Laos.

The Princess also conveyed greetings from Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, and reflected on her meetings with President Thongloun Sisoulith and Vice President Pany Yathotou, as well as her impressions of Patuxay and That Luang.

She thanked the Lao government and people for their support during Japan’s recent natural disasters and expressed hope that cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership would continue to deepen in the years ahead.

KPL