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(KPL) Japan’s national holiday reception was hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Hiroyuki Kishino on Wednesday in Vientiane Capital to celebrate the 81st birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Akihito, whose actual birthday falls on 23 December.
(KPL)Japan’s national holiday reception was hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mr Hiroyuki Kishino on Wednesday in Vientiane Capital to celebrate the 81st birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, Akihito, whose actual birthday falls on 23 December.
Ambassador Kishino emphasized the friendly and cooperative relations between Japan and the Lao PDR that remain as strong as ever today in many fields. The bilateral business partnerships have been further expanded, and the number of Japanese companies operating in Laos has doubled during the past two and a half years, numbering over 120 today. Many of them are engaged in export-oriented manufacturing, contributing to local economies through employment and capacity-building of the labour force.
Japan has also continued to support the Lao PDR in its socio-economic development with Official Development Assistance (ODA).
“2015 is a notable year because it marks the 60th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations. I wish to celebrate this landmark occasion with our two peoples, from the top down to the grassroots level,” said the Ambassador.
At the occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ambassador unveiled a logo that symbolizes this 60th anniversary. The logo, used for various 60th anniversary events, features an elephant to represent the Lao PDR and a sakura, a cherry blossom, which is Japan’s symbolic flower.
Ambassador introduced two commemorative projects prepared by the two governments - one related to elephants and the other to sakura.
Four lovely elephants left Vientiane for Kyoto as Lao ambassadors of friendship last month. In March next year, a grand opening ceremony will be held at the Kyoto Zoo to introduce these elephants to a newly completed elephant house.
Additionally, 223 young sakura trees will be planted in February next year at Kaysone Park in Viengsay District, Huanphanh Province. “We plan to develop this space into a Sakura Park in the future as a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” said the Ambassador.
The reception was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongloun Sisoulith, government officials, members of diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations.
KPL
