Tokyo: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone held talks with Japanese Prime Minister, Ms. Sanae Takaichi during his participation in the 31st International Conference on the Future of Asia, held under the theme 'Working Together for a More Resilient and Prosperous Asia' in Tokyo, Japan, from 10-11 June 2026. According to Lao News Agency, Prime Minister Takaichi welcomed Prime Minister Sonexay and congratulated him on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Lao PDR for another term in March 2026. She expressed appreciation to the Lao Government and people for their hospitality during the official visit to Laos by Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko of Japan in November 2025, which marked her first official overseas visit. The Japanese Prime Minister acknowledged the success of the Lao Festival 2026 held in Tokyo at the end of May 2026. The event was attended by Princess Aiko of Japan and Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. Prime Minister Sonexay exp ressed gratitude for the warm welcome and congratulated Prime Minister Takaichi on her re-election as Japan's Prime Minister in February 2026. He acknowledged the successful organisation of the AZEC Plus Summit on energy security held in April 2026 and supported the POWER Asia cooperation framework proposed by Japan. Prime Minister Sonexay reaffirmed Laos' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with Japan, as well as under the ASEAN-Japan framework. He expressed gratitude for Japan's continued support, particularly in human resource development, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and forestry, as well as through the dispatch of JICA experts and volunteers in various sectors across the country. He emphasized Japan's humanitarian support for the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining in Laos. Both sides agreed to enhance Laos-Japan relations as a comprehensive strategic partnership, promoting economic cooperation, trade, and investment in areas such as agriculture, mod ern processing industries, clean and alternative energy, mining, tourism, and technology. During his visit to Japan, Prime Minister Sonexay also met with the Japan-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Association, the Foundation for International Exchange (FEC), Japanese business representatives, and participated in a business exchange meeting between Lao and Japanese companies.