TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The leaders of Japan and Laos agreed Tuesday to upgrade their bilateral relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership," as Tokyo tries to strengthen cooperation with Southeast Asia to uphold a rules-based order amid China's rise.

In a joint statement issued after their meeting in Tokyo, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Laotian counterpart Sonexay Siphandone confirmed that the two governments will launch a foreign vice-ministerial-level dialogue to promote security collaboration.

With Japan and Laos marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year, the two prime ministers pledged to continue "deepening and expanding multi-layered exchanges," covering politics, economic cooperation, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges, the statement said.

The Laotian prime minister is the first leader to make an official working visit to Japan this year.

Laos, one of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, has close relations with China, although Vientiane is also seeking good ties with other countries such as Japan.

Laos is aiming to achieve economic growth and emerge from its least-developed-country status, as designated by the United Nations, by 2026.

The country, heavily indebted to China over infrastructure and other projects, faces the challenge of improving its fiscal health.

Ishiba, who places priority on Japan's relations with ASEAN, traveled to Malaysia and Indonesia in early January for summit talks.