Japan-Laos Prime Ministers' Informal Talks (Summary)
September 7, 2023
[Provisional translation]
On September 7, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Indonesia to attend ASEAN-related Summit meetings, held informal talks with H.E. Dr. Sonexay SIPHANDONE, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The overview is as follows.
- Prime Minister Kishida stated that he would like to cooperate to elevate the strategic partnership between two countries to new heights, taking the opportunity of Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship next year and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos in 2025. Prime Minister Kishida also explained the position of Japan regarding the discharge of the ALPS treated water, and, while referring to the recently announced "JAPAN－ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative", expressed his willingness to announce a new vision for cooperation and concrete cooperation on the occasion of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting in December.
- In response, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continuous support for the socio-economic development of Laos, and said that he would like to further strengthen cooperation on bilateral relations and regional and international issues.
