On Tuesday, November 6, Mr. Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan, who is currently on an official visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Choummaly SAYASONE, President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Secretary General of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, for approximately 30 minutes from 6:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. Japan time) at the Presidential Palace. The overview is as follows.

1. Prime Minister Noda extended his congratulations to President Sayasone on the success of the 9th ASEM Summit, and commented that he is happy to be the first Prime Minister of Japan to pay a visit to Laos in eight years. He also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome that Laos gave to His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince at the time of his visit in June this year. Prime Minister Noda also conveyed his appreciation for the loaning of elephants to the affected areas by the earthquake in Japan. President Sayasone responded by stating that he intends to continue to strengthen the traditionally friendly relations between Japan and Laos based on a "comprehensive partnership."
   
   
2. Prime Minister Noda stated that Japan would provide support to Laos that is focused on infrastructure, as well as health, education, and agriculture, with a view toward achieving balanced development of Laos. In response, President Sayasone reiterated his high expectations for Japan's cooperation , noting that Japan's ODA has been greatly contributing to the development of Laos over many years and that his country hopes to further continue its development based on support from Japan.
   
   
3. Both leaders exchanged opinions regarding the international situation, including relations between Japan and China, and they agreed to further strengthen cooperation locally and in the international arena based on the friendly relations between their countries.