Tokyo, May 30 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his visiting Lao counterpart, Thongloun Sisoulith, on Thursday confirmed the two countries’ cooperation to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

During their meeting held at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo, the two leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral ties.

In addition, they are believed to have discussed the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago.

Earlier on Thursday, the Japanese and Lao governments signed documents on Japan’s grant aid for helping young Lao administrative officers study in Japan and a revision to a Japan-Laos aviation arrangement.