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Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone received a delegation of Japanese Volunteers at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane today, led by Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to Laos, and Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone received a delegation of Japanese Volunteers at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane today, led by Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to Laos, and Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the volunteers, praising their dedication and significant contributions to Laos. He noted that 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of Laos-Japan diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of Japanese volunteers being dispatched to the country.
Highlighting Japan's position as Laos's top bilateral development partner, with annual assistance averaging $80-90 million, the Prime Minister acknowledged Japan's focus on critical sectors like education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. He stated this support is vital to Laos' National Socio-Economic Development Plan and its goals to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and graduate from Least Developed Country status.
The Prime Minister requested that Japan continue sending specialized volunteers to priority areas. He encouraged the volunteers to transfer their knowledge and skills to Lao counterparts and to immerse themselves in local culture and language. This, he said, would help promote a deeper understanding of Laos in Japan and strengthen the friendship between the two nations.
In response, JICA President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko thanked the Prime Minister for the welcome. He reported that over the past 60 years, 1,110 Japanese volunteers have served in Laos, with 49 currently working across various sectors in 2025.
KPL
