Laos and Japan have recognised the friendly relationship, mutual support, and effective cooperation between the two countries in bilateral and multilateral frameworks over the years.
Appreciation of the two countries' cooperation was voiced jointly by Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihiko Noda during a meeting in Tokyo on March 16. The meeting took place during a visit to Japan by Prime Minister Thongsing and his delegation from March 14 to 17.
Mr Thongsing Thammavong ( left ) and Mr Yoshihiko Noda hold a joint press conference at the Japanese prime minister's office.
The Lao and Japanese leaders exchanged opinions on how to better realise the joint statement signed by the two countries on strengthening their comprehensive partnership towards enduring friendship and regional prosperity.
They also discussed future cooperation efforts with a view towards 2015, which will be the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan, and the year when the Asean Free Trade Agreement comes into force.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the exchange of high-ranking officials and delegations at various levels, including providing technical expertise in various areas and facilitating exchange studies between young people from the two countries.
Mr Thongsing expressed his appreciation for the valuable assistance rendered by the Japanese government and people, with Japan being the largest provider of Official Development Assistance to Laos. He said the projects being undertaken are highly effective and contributing greatly to poverty reduction in Laos.
Mr Noda thanked the Lao people for their generous spirit in providing assistance to the Japanese people in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in March last year. He also acknowledged the attendance of the Lao prime minister at a ceremony held at the Japanese embassy to Laos one year on to mourn the victims of the disaster.
The Japanese prime minister reaffirmed his government's commitment to continued support for Laos, particularly in regard to the implementation of the 7th National Socio-Economic Development Plan, fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals, and graduating from Least Developed Country status.
Japan has agreed to consider the new projects that Laos has proposed, especially a soft loan (yen loan) for the Nam Ngum 1 hydropower plant upgrade and the passenger terminal expansion and safety improvement project at Wattay International Airport.
Also under consideration are the Poverty Reduction Support Operation, the Vientiane industrial zone development project, the development of a master plan for Vientiane, and the establishment of a loan facility for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Concerning other areas, the two sides attached considerable importance to ongoing cooperation in the economic, trade, investment, and tourism sectors, with Japan promising to encourage more businesses to consider investing in Laos
The Japanese side expressed pleasure at the start of direct charter flights between Vientiane and Tokyo, which are set to start late next month. The service will help to facilitate the travel arrangements of visiting business operators, as well as boost tourism in Visit Laos Year 2012.
The two prime ministers also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, especially support for the 4th Japan-Mekong Summit which begins in Japan next month, and the 9th ASEM Summit to be held in Vientiane in November.
They also discussed Laos' accession to the World Trade Organisation and cooperation within the United Nations framework, especially regarding UN and UN Security Council reforms.
During the visit, Mr Thongsing and Mr Noda gave a joint press statement and witnessed the signing of two upcoming project documents, namely a transmission line extension project in southern Laos worth 4,173 million yen (US$55 million), and non-project grant aid amounting to 600 million yen (US$7.5 million).
Japan has also agreed to provide further assistance to Laos for UXO clearance totalling US$1 million.
During his visit, Mr Thongsing attended a workshop on investment in Laos organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation and made an address to the gathering.
He also visited the Japan-Laos Association, the Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery Foundation, the Japan International Cooperation Agency headquarters, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
On Saturday Mr Thongsing met with Tokoshukai Group President Torao Tokuda to discuss their plans to modernise hospital construction in La os.
During his stay in Japan, Prime Minister Thongsing also held meetings with Japanese parliamentary members, former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, and various business executives.
The Lao prime minister also made a visit to Crown Prince Naruhito at the Royal Palace, when they discussed the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Laos and Japan.
