Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� May, 2002

Prime Minister Meets with Prime Minister of Laos Thursday, May 23, 2002 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with Prime Minister Boungnang Vorachith of the Lao People's Democratic Republic at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi stated his desire to pursue exchange in various areas between Japan and Laos, given the fact that 2003 would be the Year of Japan-ASEAN Exchange. In response, Prime Minister Boungnang Vorachith stated that he was happy that friendly and cooperative relations were being expanded through the active exchange of officials from both countries. In addition, Prime Minister Boungnang Vorachith expressed his gratitude for the assistance being provided by Japan. Prime Minister Koizumi emphasized the importance of education and human resource development, conveying that Japan would also contribute in the future to nation-building in Laos.