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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Japan are set to finalise their collaboration on hydrogen energy by May, marking a significant milestone in their joint effort to advance clean energy technologies.

Laos and Vietnam recently launched a cross-border QR code payment system that has the potential to boost trade and tourism.