Japanese hosts warmly welcome the Lao delegation.

Laos, Japan strengthen ties in rule of law as high-ranking delegation visits Tokyo

Laos and Japan have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in the legal and judicial sectors, with a high-level Lao delegation visiting Tokyo from October 27-31.
The visit highlighted nearly three decades of collaboration under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s The project for promoting Development and Strengthening of the Rule of Law in the legal Sector (J-ROL Phase2), which has played a pivotal role in supporting Laos’ efforts to enhance the rule of law and the capacity of legal professionals.
The Lao delegation comprised four deputy-minister-level officials: Vice President of the People’s Supreme Court, Mr Bounkhouang Thavisack; Vice President of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, Mr Khamphet Somvolachith; Deputy Minister of Justice, Mr Ketsana Phommachanh; and Vice President of the National University of Laos, Mr Ounlar Sivanpheng.
The delegation met with Japanese ministerial-level officials, namely Prosecutor General, Ms Unemoto Naomi; Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr Sakai Toru; Japan Federation of Bar Associations President, Ms Fuchigami Reiko; Vice Minister of Justice, Mr Morimoto Hiroshi; and JICA Senior Vice President, Mr Ando Naoki.
Their discussions reaffirmed both countries’ dedication to promoting the rule of law as a cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity. The meetings took place in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, underscoring the longstanding friendship and technical partnership between Laos and Japan.
Chief Advisor of the JICA Legal Project, Mr Yaoita Hayato, conveyed his appreciation and welcomed the Lao delegation.
Laos and Japan have long been working together in the legal cooperation activities, and JICA has been contributing to the advancement of the rule of law in Laos for nearly three decades.
Laos and Japan have worked together to enhance the capacity of legal professionals, improving judicial practice, and raising the quality of legal education. Notably, JICA supported the drafting of the Lao Civil Code, which came into effect in May 2020.
Beyond research and education across the wide range of Civil Law, JICA experts have also been engaged in research and practical development of studies relating to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Law.
JICA experts also made a significant contribution to key amendments to the Civil Procedure Law (effective 2025) in cooperation with their Lao counterparts.
Many senior Lao officials have been involved in the project, including three members of the delegation, who have since advanced to leadership positions, reflecting their strong legal expertise.
During the meetings, the two sides acknowledged the excellent relations built over the years and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration.
Mr Bounkhouang said the JICA Project has grown like fruitful trees cultivated from seeds, and has yielded many important outcomes.
He stressed the need to further disseminate these “fruits” to regions and people they have not yet reached, noting that legal education is essential in achieving this. He kindly requested the Japanese side to share more knowledge on legal interpretation skills and the judicial precedent system.
Mr Khamphet said that, thanks to the longstanding support of the JICA Project and the continuous provision of excellent Japanese experts, the capacity of Lao legal practitioners has significantly improved.
Representing the delegation, Mr Ketsana expressed his deep appreciation to the Japanese side, saying that the JICA Project has greatly contributed to strengthening the long-term relationship between Laos and Japan.
In addition, Mr Ounla said content covering the rule of law should be included in the first year of the university curriculum. He also expressed the hope that Japanese specialists would continue to support the advancement of legal studies in Laos.
Additional discussions with Lao officials also took place at Keio University, joined by Professor Ida Makoto and Professor Matsuo Hiroshi, advisory members from the Japanese side.
Dialogue centred on future initiatives to strengthen the rule of law in Laos, with both sides expressing determination to deepen their cooperation.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update November 3, 2025)