Japan-Laos Summit Meeting (Summary)
[Provisional translation]
On May 25, commencing at 6:20p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, who was on a visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Introduction
(1) Prime Minister Kishida welcomed President Thongloun’s first visit to Japan in four years, stated that he was happy to see his friend, President Thongloun, for the first time in seven years, and expressed his desire to work closely with Laos to further develop the bilateral relations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025.
(2) In response, President Thongloun expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Japanese side, stating that he was also happy to see Prime Minister Kishida again, as both of them worked together as foreign ministers.
(1) Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan, as a strategic partner, will continue to support Laos’ social and economic development through cooperation in human resource development, which lay the foundation of the country’s development, and fiscal stabilization, among others. In addition, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his desire to work together on new challenges, such as strengthening cooperation under the concept of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and utilizing digital technology.
(2) In response, President Thongloun expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continued support in various areas to which the Lao Government attaches importance, as well as his desire to continue to further strengthen cooperation with Japan, an important partner for Laos, including on new challenges.
(3) Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan will continue to provide utmost support in various forms to Laos, which will serve as ASEAN Chair next year. Bearing in mind that Laos will serve as ASEAN Chair next year and that 2025 will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, the two leaders agreed that their strategic partnership will be further developed.
3. Regional and international affairs
(1) Regarding the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, Prime Minister Kishida stated that the leaders, including the invited countries, shared the recognition that unilateral changes to the status quo by force are unacceptable anywhere in the world, and we strive to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law. President Thongloun congratulated the success of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and expressed that it is imperative to solve the issues in the international community through constructive dialogues. The two leaders confirmed that they will closely work together in dealing with various issues.
(2) The two leaders also shared the view that they willcontinue to work together toward the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting in December.
