Japan-Laos Summit Meeting (Summary)

On October 11, commencing at 7:18 a.m. local time (9:18 a.m. on October 11 JST), Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, who is on an official visit to Laos to attend the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings, attended a welcome ceremony hosted by H.E. Mr. Sonexay SIPHANDONE, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic for approximately 10 minutes. Following that, Prime Minister Ishiba held a Japan-Laos Summit Meeting for approximately 30 minutes with Prime Minister Sonexay. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Introduction
Prime Minister Sonexay welcomed Prime Minister Ishiba's first official visit to Laos after assuming office and stated that he would like to work together with Prime Minister Ishiba to see the further development of friendly relations between the two countries and expressed his sympathy for the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. In response, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his pleasure of visiting Laos as his first official visit since assuming office as Prime Minister. He also conveyed his condolences to the victims of the recent Typhoon Yagi and stated that Japan would continue to provide assistance in the form of disaster insurance and rice reserve. Furthermore, he expressed his respect for Prime Minister Sonexay's efforts as the ASEAN Chair.

2. Bilateral Relations
Both leaders agreed to aim for elevating bilateral relations to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos next year. They also agreed on a 70th anniversary commemorative logo featuring elephants and cherry blossoms, symbols of both countries, to boost celebratory events next year.

Prime Minister Ishiba expressed Japan's intention to focus on supporting Laos in strengthening its connectivity with the regional economy and enhancing its resilience through the following cooperation initiatives to contribute to Laos' autonomous and quality economic growth and fiscal stabilization:

(1) Promote assistance for strengthening electricity connectivity with neighboring countries and promoting decarbonization through clean energy in Laos (including consideration for the co-creation for common agenda initiative) [energy connectivity]
(2) Expand terminal and improve taxiways at Vientiane International Airport, etc. [physical connectivity]
(3) Conduct clearance of unexploded ordnance and disaster prevention cooperation [economic and social resilience]

In response, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed his deep appreciation for the past and future cooperation from Japan and the Japanese people. Prime Minister Ishiba also stated that the removal of unexploded ordnance, which still kills and injures innocent people, is extremely important and that he would like to continue to work together.

3. Regional and International Affairs
Prime Minister Ishiba confirmed the importance of "Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience," the theme set by Laos as the ASEAN Chair, and conveyed Japan's policy to continue strengthening ASEAN connectivity in a wide range of fields. He also expressed Japan's intention to collaborate in addressing new challenges such as Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX). Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to hold the 2nd Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting in Laos and stated his desire to cooperate towards the common goal of net-zero emissions through various pathways.

Regarding regional affairs, both leaders exchanged views on issues such as the situation in Myanmar, the East and South China Sea issues and North Korea issues, and confirmed that Japan and ASEAN will work closely together to address these challenges.