(Press Release)
March 8, 2023
Ministry of Defense Japan
From March 4th to 8th 2023, Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs Oka visited Kingdom of Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Summary of his visit is as follows:
1. Visitation in Thailand
On 5th, Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs Oka observed the multilateral exercise Cobra Gold 2023 (CG 23) and a rescue of Japanese nationals overseas exercise in which JSDF participated, and exchanged views with military personnel from the participating countries who also observed CG 23.
2. Visitation in Laos
(1) On 7th, Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs Oka paied a courtesy call on H.E. GEN Chansamone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. During the courtesy call, Vice-Minister Oka conveyed that it had been five years since JMOD high ranking officials visited Laos last time and his appreciation for accepting the visit. They exchanged views on the regional situations and discussed bilateral defene cooperation and exchanges in the future.
(2) On the same day, Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs Oka had meetings with H.E. Major General Chanthong, Deputy Defense Minister and H.E. Major General Saichay, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Defence. Ongoing capacity building projects and other toppics were discussed during both the meetings, and they shared the view that they will continue to promote Japan-Laos defense cooperation and exchanges.
Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs Oka’s Visit to Thailand and Laos (Summary) (PDF)