Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith sent congratulatory messages to the heads of state of Japan, Brunei Darussalam, and North Korea over two consecutive days. The move aims to boost Vientiane’s active diplomatic engagement across the Asia-Pacific region.
Congratulating Japan on National Day
Leading the diplomatic outreach, on 23 February, Thongloun extended warm congratulations to Emperor Naruhito of Japan on the occasion of his 66th Birthday, which also marks Japan’s National Day.
In his message, Thongloun expressed gratification at the continued strengthening of bilateral ties, noting that Lao-Japan relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2025.
He further highlighted the recent visit of Japan’s Princess Aiko to Laos in November 2025 as a landmark moment in celebrating both the 70th Anniversary of Lao-Japan Diplomatic Relations.
On the same occasion, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane also sent congratulatory messages to their Japanese counterparts.
Reaffirming Party Ties with North Korea
Shifting to party-to-party relations, on the same day, Thongloun, in his capacity as General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, dispatched a congratulatory message to Kim Jong Un on his re-election as General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea for the 9th term.
He expressed firm confidence in Kim Jong Un’s leadership and reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to nurturing the longstanding friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between the two nations.
Marking Brunei’s National Day
In a separate message marking Brunei Darussalam’s 42nd National Day on 24 February, Thongloun conveyed congratulations to Prime Minister Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
He praised the achievements of the Bruneian people under his leadership and reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two ASEAN neighbors for the benefit of both peoples and for regional peace and sustainable development.
