Japan-Laos Summit Telephone Talk (Summary)

On August 8, commencing at 4:15 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Sonexay SIPHANDONE, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The overview of the talk is as follows. 

1. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his respect for Prime Minister Sonexay's efforts as the ASEAN Chair and stated that Japan would spare no effort in supporting Laos' success as the ASEAN Chair. In response, Prime Minister Sonexay stated that he was pleased to see the development of friendship between the two countries. 
2. The two leaders concurred to continue working together to further elevate the "strategic partnership" between the two countries to new heights, in view of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos next year. Furthermore, the two leaders shared their view to proceed with arrangements to hold the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting on the occasion of the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings in October towards the success of the Summit Meeting, regarding the AZEC initiative.