(KPL) The Embassy of the Lao PDR in Japan has announced a series of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan, which will be officially marked on March 5, 2025. The year-long celebrations will also highlight the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Giving an interview to the Lao News Agency on 3 December 2024, Mrs. Phongsamouth Anlavan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao PDR to Japan, said the Embassy is working closely with Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and other related agencies and organizations from both the public and private sectors to ensure the success of the celebratory events. The activities will tentatively consists of some new initiatives and some other existing annual events, as follows:

January 2025: To kick off the milestone year of bilateral relations between the two countries, there will be an Official Working Visit of the Prime Minister of the Lao PDR to Japan in January. In addition, The Embassy in collaboration with JICA, will organize an exhibition of promoting Laos at the JICA Global Plaza Ichigaya Office in Tokyo. The exhibition will promoting tourism, displaying photos about the Laos-Japan bilateral relations, traditional Lao silk and some handicraft products, and tasting Lao food.

February 2025: Tentatively, on February 16, an IPO wooden puppet show performanced by the students from the Lao PDR will be held in Ibaraki Prefecture.

March 2025: Leaders of the Lao PDR and Japan are expected to exchange letters of congratulations. Additionally, the Honorary Consulate of the Lao PDR in Kyoto and the Kansai-Laos Friendship Association will tentatively host a cultural promotion event showcasing Lao culture at the end of March.

April 2025: There will be the opening ceremony of the Osaka EXPO 2025 in Osaka Prefecture and organize the Lao New Year Festival (Pi Mai Lao 2568) at the Embassy of the Lao PDR.

May 2025: The Lao Festival 2025 will be held at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, featuring Lao art, products, food, and performances. The event is expected to take place at the end of May.

June-July: The Embassy will partner with Omiya Company to organize a “Kimono Show,” especially the Kimono belt (OBI in Japanese) using fabric from Laos, which is expected to be held in mid 2025, either in June or July. Additionally, the Embassy will cooperation with various parties, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ASEAN-Japan Centre, and friendship associations, will organize trade and investment seminars between Laos and Japan. Additional activities with Japan-Laos local friendship associations are also under discussion.

July 2025: On July 9, the Embassy will participate in the opening ceremony of Lao Day in Osaka Prefecture during the Osaka EXPO 2025.

September 2025: The Honorary Consulate of the Lao PDR in Kyoto will oversee the opening of a YMCA school in Laos.

November-December 2025: Activities will celebrate both the 50th anniversary of Lao National Day and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan.

In addition to these events, the Embassy in collaboration with Eole Inc., will organize five to six promotional events at the Embassy throughout 2025. These events will feature presentations about the Lao PDR, its culture and exhibitions of Lao products.

Ms Phongsamouth highlighted that Japan has been a significant partner in the Lao PDR’ development. “Since 1991, Japan has been one of the top donors supporting the Lao PDR in basic infrastructure, health, and education sectors,” she said.

KPL