Vientiane, 15 September 2023

Excellency,

I have a great pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency on your appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

I am truly grateful that the Lao PDR and Japan have enjoyed a long-standing friendship and good cooperation on multiple areas over the past decades, and since the elevation of our relationship to the strategic partnership in 2015, the scope of our cooperation has been further expanded and deepened for the benefits of our peoples and regional development.

I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency to further enhance our bilateral cooperation and partnership, especially to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation as well as during the Lao PDR’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2024.

May I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency and your government for the generous support and assistance extended to the Lao PDR to ensure the successful ASEAN chairmanship next year and wish Your Excellency good health, well-being and greater success in your noble tasks.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Saleumxay KOMMASITH

Her Excellency Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

Tokyo