TOKYO – In a heartfelt show of enduring friendship and forward-looking partnership, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba came together in Tokyo to celebrate a remarkable 70 years of diplomatic relations between their two nations.
Their meeting wasn’t just symbolic—it was personal and purposeful. On the sidelines of the 30th International Conference on the Future of Asia, hosted by Nikkei Inc., the two leaders spoke candidly about the importance of building stronger bridges between their countries. President Thongloun, in his speech at the conference, emphasized shared values and the deep mutual respect that Laos and Japan have cultivated over the decades.
Prime Minister Ishiba warmly welcomed President Thongloun, sharing his hopes of deepening cooperation under a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—a relationship that goes beyond politics and trade, touching the lives of everyday people in both nations.
Japan, long a trusted partner, reaffirmed its commitment to helping Laos achieve economic resilience and financial stability. Meanwhile, in a generous gesture to strengthen human and cultural ties, President Thongloun announced that beginning June 1, 2025, Japanese citizens will be able to stay in Laos visa-free for up to 30 days—doubling the current allowance.
The meeting also underscored a shared desire to collaborate on critical global issues. From accelerating efforts on a bilateral tax agreement to pushing forward clean energy initiatives under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), both leaders showed they’re looking to the future together.
As they reflected on 60 years of Japanese volunteerism in Laos, the gratitude was palpable. More than 1,100 volunteers and 4,500 experts have worked alongside Lao communities, helping with everything from legal reform to strengthening public services—proof that this partnership thrives at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead, both leaders expressed excitement over an upcoming historic event: the planned visit of Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko to Laos this November. They called it a “significant milestone” in furthering the warm people-to-people connections that have been the bedrock of this relationship.
President Thongloun closed with heartfelt thanks, expressing deep appreciation for the Japanese government’s ongoing support—from infrastructure projects like the East-West Economic Corridor to UXO clearance and humanitarian aid.
Their meeting was more than just diplomacy—it was a moment of mutual respect, shared dreams, and a promise to keep walking hand-in-hand toward peace, prosperity, and a better future for all in the Asia-Pacific region.
