JCP representatives visit Laos

Japanese Communist Party International Bureau Director Ogata Yasuo (House of Councilors member) and Vice-Director Kasai Akira visited Laos at the invitation of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party from November 26-28.

In Vientiane, the JCP representatives held talks with Thongsing Inthavong, LPRP External Relations Commission vice chair and Hongkham Inthabody, LPRP International Bureau deputy director.

Welcoming the JCP representatives, Thongsing stressed that their visit at this time is very significant.

In response Ogata said, "I hope that this visit to Laos, the JCP's first in 23 years, will give our two parties an opportunity to increase mutual understanding and build a relationship through meaningful discussions and visits."

Specifically, Ogata explained the theory and evolution of the JCP's "opposition party diplomacy," its view on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and its efforts to strengthen relations with the ASEAN. He also stated the JCP's view on the issue of globalization.

Ogata explained in detail how the JCP's international relations have been developed since JCP Central Committee Chair Fuwa Tetsuzo's tour in 1999 of Southeast Asian countries. Ogata also referred to his recent tour of Middle East countries, Fuwa's China visit last August, and efforts to help normalize Japan's relations with North Korea.

The JCP lawmaker expressed thanks to Lao President Khamtai Siphandon for sending a message of solidarity to the 2002 World Conference against A and H Bombs.

Thongsing explained various domestic and international activities the LPRP has carried out as part of the implementation of its 7th congress. He expressed a hope that friendly relations will be further developed between the two parties. (end)