ASEAN-Japan Centre Receives Medal of Friendship from Lao People's Democratic Republic
Key facts
- ASEAN-Japan Centre Receives Medal of Friendship from Lao People's Democratic Republic
- The international organization, the ASEAN-Japan Centre, has been awarded the Medal of Friendship by the Lao government. This recognizes its contributions to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries over many years, particularly in economic partnership. This award commemorates the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations and anticipates further development of the relationship.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: April 8, 2026
Direct answer
The international organization, the ASEAN-Japan Centre, has been awarded the Medal of Friendship by the Lao government. This recognizes its contributions to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries over many years, particularly in economic partnership. This award commemorates the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations and anticipates further development of the relationship.
- Citation
- ASEAN-Japan Centre Receives Medal of Friendship from Lao People's Democratic Republic (April 8, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- April 8, 2026
The international organization, the ASEAN-Japan Centre, has been awarded the Medal of Friendship by the Lao government. This recognizes its contributions to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries over many years, particularly in economic partnership. This award commemorates the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations and anticipates further development of the relationship.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 23:40
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 15:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 14:51 (287h 51m after Collected)
The ASEAN-Japan Centre (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Secretary General: HIRABAYASHI Kunihiko, hereafter "the Centre"), an international organization, was awarded the Lao People's Democratic Republic's Medal of Friendship by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on October 13, 2025. The Centre was recognized as an organization that has made outstanding contributions to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations that contribute to the development of Laos.
In 2025, Laos and Japan celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, as well as the 60th anniversary of the dispatch of Japanese volunteers to Laos. To commemorate this, the Lao government awarded medals to Japanese individuals and organizations that have made remarkable achievements in the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. The Centre was selected as one of the honorable recipient organizations.
On March 24, 2026, an award ceremony was held at the Lao Embassy in Japan, where the Centre was formally presented with the medal by His Excellency Ambassador Amphay Kindavong.
The Centre has contributed to strengthening sustainable economic partnerships between the two countries by collaborating with the governments of Laos and Japan, as well as Japanese companies and organizations, to conduct high-level dialogues on capacity development, investment promotion, and industrial cooperation. In particular, at a high-level dialogue held on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations (January 2025), the Centre contributed to identifying investment issues and considering concrete solutions through direct dialogue with Prime Minister Sonexay and Japanese companies.
Regarding this award, Secretary General HIRABAYASHI Kunihiko stated, "I am greatly honored to receive this award. I believe this is the result of the cumulative efforts of the many stakeholders involved in cooperation with Laos and the staff of the Centre. Based on the relationship of trust we have built, we will continue to further develop the partnership between Laos and Japan and contribute to the realization of sustainable economic cooperation."
The Centre will continue to contribute to the further development of Japan-Laos relations and work to further strengthen Japan-ASEAN relations.
FAQ
What is the Japan-ASEAN Center?
It is an international organization established by the governments of Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Why was a medal awarded from Laos?
It was awarded in recognition of significant contributions to strengthening economic ties and friendly relations between Japan and Laos through initiatives such as investment promotion dialogues over the years.
What is the 70th Anniversary of Japan-Laos Relations?
It marks the 70th anniversary since Japan and Laos officially established diplomatic relations. To commemorate this, individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development of bilateral relations were honored.