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

VIENTIANE: Laos and Japan have opened a new chapter in their bilateral ties by elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

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 on January 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 Lao PM is leading a Lao delegation on an official working visit to Japan from January 20-23 to enhance relations and mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 60th anniversary of Japan providing volunteer workers to Laos.

Japan supports development of Lao teachers. Laos and Japan on Tuesday exchanged notes concerning grant aid to Laos to support the Project for the Improvement of Provincial Teacher

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Southeast Asian country has lagged behind Vietnam and Thailand when it comes to tourism but the government hopes new hotels, roads and a train system will put Laos on visitors’ lists. Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.

Japanese kickboxing legend Takeru Segawa brought holiday cheer to schoolchildren in Laos and vowed to do more by pledging his purse in his scheduled match in March.