Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith agreed on a joint plan to spur development in Laos against the background of the Tokyo-Beijing rivalry to invest in and gain influence in the region.
Meeting on Tuesday for the first time since their talks at an outreach meeting during the Group of Seven summit in May, Abe and Thongloun affirmed Japan's commitment to work with Laos in efforts to build links with neighboring countries, diversify the country's economy and bridge urban-rural gaps.
"Through the specific measures in this plan, we hope to contribute to the realization of Laos' national socioeconomic development plan," a Japanese official quoted Abe as telling Thongloun.