外務・防衛次官級協議を新設　日ラオス首脳会談

　石破茂首相は２１日、ラオスのソンサイ首相と首相官邸で会談した。安全保障分野の協力強化に向けて外務、防衛の次官級協議の新設で一致。外交樹立７０周年を迎える中、２国間関係の「包括的戦略的パートナーシップ」への格上げなどを盛り込んだ共同声明を発表した。
　共同記者発表で、石破氏は「今後さらに両国の友好関係を発展させるべく、ソンサイ氏と共に尽力したい」と強調。ソンサイ氏は、ラオスを訪問する日本人観光客のビザ（査証）免除を従来の１５日から３０日に拡大する方針を表明した。（2025/01/21-20:30）

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, met in Tokyo on Tuesday and agreed to launch talks between the two countries' vice foreign and defense ministers to boost security cooperation.
   As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, the two countries also issued a joint statement calling for upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
   At a joint press conference, Ishiba stressed that he wants to further develop bilateral ties by working with the Lao prime minister.
   The Lao leader unveiled a plan to extend visa exemptions for Japanese visitors to Laos from the current 15 days to 30 days.
   The two leaders also agreed to expand trade, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and to collaborate for a free and open Indo-Pacific.