Noda to visit Laos to attend Asia-Europe Meeting

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will leave for Laos on Sunday to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), announced Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura Friday.

Fujimura said that Noda would meet Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong in Vientiane during the visit.

Noda also planed to hold one-to-one talks with leaders from Asian and European countries.

The ninth ASEM, slated for Nov 5 to 6, will focus on how to enhance cooperation in various areas between Asia and Europe, facilitate economic recovery and tackle common challenge.