Vientiane Capital, October 20, 2025 – The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its enduring support to Lao PDR’s national efforts to address the impact of unexploded ordnance, through new assistance amounting to 673 million yen (approximately USD 4.5 million). The contribution will support the implementation of the Lao National UXO Programme in the three southern provinces of Salavan, Sekong, and Champasak.

A signing ceremony for the Exchange of Notes took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane. The agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. Anoupharb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chairperson of the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action (NRA), on behalf of the Government of Lao PDR, and H.E. Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR, on behalf of the Government of Japan.

Japan remains one of the most dedicated partners in Lao PDR’s UXO/Mine Action sector, supporting risk education, clearance operations, and capacity development for national institutions working to ensure communities can live free from the threat of UXO.