VIENTIANE: Laos and Japan on Tuesday (Jan 21) exchanged notes concerning grant aid to Laos to support the Project for the Improvement of Provincial Teacher Development Centres, following the Japan-Laos Summit Meeting in Japan.

VIENTIANE: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Wednesday (Jan 22) chaired a high-level roundtable discussion with Japanese business leaders in Tokyo in a bid to bolster investment and trade between the two countries.

The two countries also issued a joint statement calling for upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The leaders of Japan and Laos agreed Tuesday to upgrade their bilateral relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," as Tokyo tries to strengthen cooperation with Southeast Asia to uphold a rules-based order amid China's rise.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (left) and his Japanese counterpart Ishiba Shigeru congratulate each other after signing a joint statement to elevate Laos-Japan ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders also concurred in elevating Japan-Laos relations to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in view of the progress of cooperation between the two countries over the years in various fields.

Prime Minister Ishiba held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Sonexay SIPHANDONE, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Laotian counterpart Sonexay Siphandone in Tokyo, where they said vice-ministerial-level dialogues in both foreign affairs and defense would be established.

By Sibi George, Ambassador of India to JapanOn the occasion of India's 76th Republic Day, I extend my warm greetings to Their Majesties, the Emperor a･･･

The leaders of Japan and Laos met Tuesday to discuss deepening bilateral ties, as Tokyo seeks to work even more closely with Southeast Asia to ensure a rules-based order in the region amid China's rise.

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone is scheduled to visit Japan early next week, the government in Tokyo said Thursday, as the two nations mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

Laos' government hopes new hotels, roads and a train system will put the country on visitors’ lists. Read more at straitstimes.com.