VIENTIANE - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe emphasized “increased Japanese contribution” to regional peace and stability during his visit to the Lao capital Vientiane on Sunday.

Abe made the statement at a press conference after meetings with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and Lao President Choummaly Sayasone.

Abe, who came here after a trip to Cambodia on Saturday, praised the resilience of the two countries in the face of disaster and their spectacular development over recent years.

He also underscored that Japan must contribute to the peace and stability in the region and the world.

“Enhancing the framework for Japan-ASEAN disaster cooperation plays a major role in maintaining peace and stability of this region,” Abe said. “Japan will make a proactive contribution to global peace and stability even more than we have done in the past. “

Abe stated that ASEAN was the growth center of the world and that there could be no growth for Japan without the growth of ASEAN. “Japan supports infrastructure development in the region and pushes for investment by private companies,” he said.

Abe said he felt the increased understanding and confidence between Japan and ten ASEAN countries which he has visited since he took office in December 2012. Abe concluded his visit to the region by inviting ASEAN leaders to attend the ASEAN-Japan commemorative summit in Tokyo in December this year.

Earlier Sunday, Laotian Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on the launch of security dialogue framework involving their foreign and defense officials, as well as a set of measures that highlight their cooperation in health and medical care systems, infrastructure development and poverty reduction efforts, according to Japanese news agency Kyodo. (Xinhua)