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Japan, Laos elevate ties to strategic partnership

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong on March 6 agreed to raise the two countries’ bilateral ties to “Strategic Partnership”.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Lao counterpart ThongsingThammavong on March 6 agreed to raise the two countries’ bilateral tiesto “Strategic Partnership”.

A joint statement issued after thePMs met in Tokyo said the leaders agreed that the relationship promotionaims to bolster the mutually-beneficial partnership, thus contributingto peace, development and prosperity in the world.

Theleaders agreed to hold second bilateral security dialogue as well asboosting economic and investment collaboration between the twocountries.

Speaking at a post-talks press conference, PM ShinzoAbe asserted that Japan will continue to assist Laos and other ASEANmember countries to further develop after the formation of the ASEANEconomic Community by the end of 2015.

He offered to assist Laos develop infrastructure, including building hydro-power plants, barrages, and airports.

Inreturn, the Lao PM hailed the new strategic partnership as a part ofefforts to strengthen the friendship and collaboration between the twonations.

Earlier on the day, he was received by Emperor Akihito.

The Japan visit was made at a time when the two countries arecelebrating the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and Laos willtake on ASEAN Chair in 2016.

2014’s statistics showed Japan was the sixth biggest exporter and the fourth leading importer of Laos.

There are 120 Japanese investors in Laos, doubling the 2012 figure.-VNA
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