(VOVworld) – Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida agreed on Wednesday that East Sea disputes must be settled peacefully in accordance with international laws. Kishida expressed his hope that Laos, as current ASEAN chairman, will uphold its role so that ASEAN can send out a strong message on East Sea issues. Kishida said the Japanese government wants closer cooperation with Laos’ new government.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida (Photo: VNA)

During Kishida’s Laos visit, the two countries signed several agreements. Laos will receive 23.7 million USD in funding from Japan to build bridges along its National Road No. 9 and its transport route linking with Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Tokyo will provide 2.32 million USD for Lao citizens to study in Japan.