Lao Prime Minister begins visit to Japan

(Baonghean.vn) - On March 5, Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong had an audience with King Akihito and held talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during his 4-day official visit to Japan (March 5-7).

Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong. (Photo: Thanh Vu/VNA)

The visit takes place in the context of Laos and Japan preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations, aiming to promote and expand political and economic relations between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said: "We are working to continue upgrading the comprehensive partnership between the two countries."

Currently, the number of Japanese investors in Laos has doubled to about 120 compared to 2012. The visit is of profound significance as the relationship between the two countries has been upgraded to a comprehensive partnership and is expected to be upgraded to a “strategic partnership”. The Lao Prime Minister said that Laos’s 8% growth rate in recent years is the basis for investors to avoid potential risks compared to some neighboring countries in the region.

During his visit, the Lao Prime Minister also attended a seminar on JETRO's activities in Laos, which aims to enhance information gathering and support for Japanese investors and potential investors in Laos. Last year, the organization opened a representative office in Vientiane.

Japan pledged to promote relations with Laos to connect 10 countries in the process of establishing an ASEAN Economic Community by the end of this year.

National Day