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Japan-Laos Summit Meeting Thursday, May 22, 2008 JAPANESE

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda held talks with His Excellency Mr. Choummaly Sayasone, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos, at the Prime Minister's Office. At the start of the meeting, Prime Minister Fukuda said, "I extend my heartfelt welcome to you on this occasion of the first visit to Japan by a President of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos. In terms of ensuring the stability and development of the entire Mekong Region, Laos is a key country. Japan intends to advance trade negotiations with Laos and will expand its assistance to Laos over the next two years so as to support the development of the Mekong region, which is also crucial for Japan's development." At the meeting, President Choummaly expressed his appreciation of Japan's Cool Earth Promotion Programme, which Prime Minister Fukuda announced in January this year. In response, Prime Minister Fukuda explained his approach to promoting the Cool Earth partnership with Laos, to help the country advance global warming countermeasures. Related link: Japan-Laos Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Joint Announcement on Enhanced Cooperation in Environment and Climate Change Issues between Japan and the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)