TOKYO, 23 MAY 2026 Representing the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Japan, Counselor Célio Moniz attended the opening ceremony of the 14th Laos Festival 2026 at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. The embassy’s participation underscores Timor-Leste’s active engagement in cultural diplomacy and regional solidarity within the Tokyo diplomatic community.
In his welcoming address, the Ambassador of Laos to Japan, H.E. Amphay Kindavong, emphasized that the festival remains a cornerstone for deepening the cultural and bilateral ties between Laos and Japan. He highlighted the expanding economic synergy between the two nations, noting increased exports of Lao commodities to Japan, such as coffee beans, bananas, and traditional textiles specialized for kimono production.
Ambassador Kindavong also expressed profound gratitude to Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko for her presence at the festival, recalling her milestone visit to Laos in November last year which has significantly catalyzed Japanese public interest in the country.
The high-profile cultural event brought together key dignitaries, including:
- • Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko
- • H.E. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos
- • H.E. Tomoaki Shimada, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
- • Members of the diplomatic corps
- • International business executives, and the Lao diaspora in Japan.
