Japan will contribute about US$1 million through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos , according to an official statement.
Photo: Bomb shells left over from the US secret bombing during the Vietnam War, lined up in a village outside Phonsavan, Laos
The decision was announced in a Joint Press Statement produced after a summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, on May 14 in Tokyo .
The large amount of UXO constitutes an obstacle to development in Laos , and continues to injure and kill people almost every day.
According to the press statement, the two prime ministers acknowledged that Laos needed to improve basic socio-economic infrastructure to aid the process of poverty reduction and capacity building. In this context, the two leaders welcomed the upcoming joint project of the construction of the Hinheub Bridge , and the Japanese Human Resource Development Scholarships on May 16.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his intention to continue assistance to the Lao PDR in these fields.
During the summit meeting, the Japanese and Lao Prime ministers discussed Japan 's Official Development Assistance programme, as well as trade and investment by the Japanese private sector, both of which are important for the sustainable economic growth of Laos .
Prime Minister Bouasone expressed his deep gratitude for Japan 's assistance, and reiterated his determination to further advance economic reforms for the country's economic prosperity.
Recognising the key role investment plays in promoting development, Mr Bouasone also expressed his strong commitment to achieving a favourable investment environment in Laos , including a fair application of regulations.
In this regard, the two leaders decided to accelerate negotiations on the bilateral investment agreement to realise its early conclusion, and announced the launch of a Japan-Laos Public and Private Dialogue by the end of this year.
The two leaders also discussed various regional and global challenges. Regarding the situation on the Korean peninsula, the two Prime Ministers shared the view that the agreement reached at the Six-Party Talks on February 13, should be expeditiously implemented by all parties concerned.
Mr Abe explained his policy to settle the outstanding issues of concern between Japan and the DPR Korea, including the abduction issue, and to advance negotiations to normalise Japan-DPR Korean relations.
Mr Bouasone expressed his understanding and sympathy towards the humanitarian concerns of the Japanese people, including the abduction issue, and said he hoped both sides would settle this bilateral issue as soon as possible by peaceful means. He also expressed his understanding of Japan 's efforts regarding this issue in the United Nations.
