(KPL) The Governments of Laos and Japan signed an agreement on June 25 for the exchange of documents under Japan’s Human Resource Development Scholarship Project (JDS), valued at ¥420 million (approximately USD 2.6 million). The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane.

The documents were signed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Phongsamouth Anlavan on behalf of the Lao government, and Japanese Ambassador to Laos Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, representing the Government of Japan. The event was witnessed by officials from both countries.

The JDS program has played a vital role in strengthening Laos’ human capital for over 25 years. More than 500 young Lao civil servants have benefited from the scholarships, studying at leading Japanese universities in fields such as public administration, economics, international relations, agriculture, and environmental studies. Many of the scholarship recipients have returned to apply their skills in national development.

Beyond scholarships, Japan has long supported Laos in a broad range of socio-economic areas including infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance. Human resource development has remained a key area of bilateral cooperation, with Japan assisting in the construction and renovation of schools in remote areas, improving teacher development centers, and providing educational materials and support.

Deputy Minister Phongsamouth expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s ongoing assistance, noting its impact on improving the quality of life for Lao people of all ethnic groups. She reaffirmed Laos' commitment to using the scholarship support effectively and expressed hope for continued cooperation in the years ahead.

She also pledged support for the joint organization of events to mark the 70th anniversary of Lao-Japan diplomatic relations in 2025. This milestone follows the recent upgrade of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership earlier this year.

Ambassador Koizumi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Laos and enhancing the strategic partnership to bring tangible benefits to both nations.

KPL