(AseanAll)  — Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, accompanied by his spouse, paid a courtesy call on Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko on May 21 at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo during his visit to Japan to attend the opening ceremony of the Lao Festival 2026,according to Lao News Agency KPL.

Photo source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos

During the meeting, Thongsavanh expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity to meet the Japanese royal couple and conveyed warm greetings from Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao PDR, and his spouse to Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Thongsavanh also expressed appreciation on behalf of the Lao government and people for the continued support and assistance provided by the Japanese government and people to the Lao PDR over many years.

He noted that Japan’s cooperation has made important contributions to Laos’ national socio-economic development, particularly in the areas of human resource development, public health, infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, and other sectors.

Thongsavanh also highlighted Japan’s support in dispatching experts and volunteers to Laos, including humanitarian assistance for unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance operations across the country.

Meanwhile, Japanese Crown Prince Akishino welcomed the Lao delegation and expressed his best wishes for the success of the visit and participation in the Lao Festival 2026 in Japan.

He also expressed confidence that the traditional friendship and longstanding cooperation between Japan and Laos would continue to deepen and expand in the years ahead.

The Lao PDR and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1955, and bilateral cooperation has steadily strengthened over the past seven decades.

In 2025, the two countries jointly celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, during which both sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a new milestone in Lao-Japan relations.

The year 2025 also marked the 60th anniversary of the Japanese government dispatching volunteers to Laos. Over the decades, more than 1,100 Japanese volunteers have served in the Lao PDR, contributing to education, healthcare, agriculture, and community development while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.Currently, more than 50 Japanese volunteers are serving in Laos.