Speaker Hosoda's video meeting with President of the Lao National Assembly
On Wednesday, 27 April 2022, Mr. HOSODA Hiroyuki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, had his first video conference with Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
President Xaysomphone began by stating that friendship and cooperation between Laos and Japan have deepened since their relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2015. He also expressed his appreciation for the active exchange between the parliaments, including their parliamentary leagues of friendship, and his hopes for further exchange. He also conveyed his gratitude on behalf of the Lao National Assembly and its people for the years of support from Japan in various fields.
Speaker Hosoda continued by stating how pleased he was that relations continue to develop under President Xaysomphone, who knows Japan well as he has visited multiple times as a member of the National Assembly. He expressed his desire to cooperate on further deepening parliamentary exchange. Mr. Hosoda stated that it was truly significant that Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio and Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh held a summit meeting on 23 April, when the Prime Minister visited Japan to attend the Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Kumamoto. He stated that he hopes cooperation will soon resume to welcome young government officials to study in Japan and to further develop human resources in priority areas, in both the public and private sectors.
The two presiding officers discussed bilateral relations, including economic cooperation and exchange on a personal level.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Mr. Hosoda expressed his sincere hope for peace to be restored as soon as possible. Dr. Xaysomphone stated how he values efforts of the international community to bring peace through negotiations.
