Vientiane - Lao President Choummalay Sayasone is to visit Japan next week to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, state media reported Wednesday.

Choummalay, 74, and his spouse are due to visit Japan between March 2 and 6, when they are due to attend a welcome reception hosted by Japanese Emperor Akihito and the empress at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and are to meet with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, the Lao-language Pathetlao newspaper said.

A Lao official, who asked to remain anonymous, said Prince Akishino is to reciprocate with a return visit to Laos from March 23 to 27.

During the royal visit, Akishino is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Choummalay and present a medal to the Lao president, the source said.

The prince is then slated to visit Luang Namtha province from March 25 to 27, before returning to Japan.