Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday emphasized the commitment of China and Laos to deepen their collaborative efforts in building a community with a shared future. Speaking in Vientiane, Li met with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith to discuss enhancing cooperation characterized by high standards and mutual benefits for both nations.
Conveying warm greetings from Xi Jinping, the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, Li congratulated Laos on the successful hosting of recent leaders' meetings focused on East Asia cooperation. He highlighted the enduring friendship between the two socialist nations, celebrating over six decades of diplomatic ties that have thrived despite global changes.
Li underscored the importance of strategic communication between Xi Jinping and Thongloun Sisoulith in steering the China-Laos community towards a prosperous future. He reiterated China's dedication to placing its relationship with Laos at the forefront of its neighborhood diplomacy, aiming to deepen political trust and expand mutually beneficial initiatives.
Addressing economic collaboration, Li called for accelerated implementation of a new action plan to advance the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and transform Laos from a landlocked to a land-linked country. He emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, production capacity, electricity, minerals, and particularly the China-Laos Railway, to achieve tangible results in comprehensive partnership.
Beyond economic ties, Li expressed China's readiness to expand exchanges in culture, tourism, and education. This focus on people-to-people connections is intended to foster greater mutual understanding and strengthen the foundational friendship between the two peoples.
In response, President Thongloun lauded China's significant developmental achievements and its growing international influence under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee. He reaffirmed Laos' unwavering support for the one-China principle and backing China's efforts in safeguarding its core interests regarding Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. Thongloun committed to further aligning Laos' national development strategies with the BRI and enhancing cooperation in key sectors to benefit both nations' populations.
The meeting concluded with mutual commitments to reinforce high-level exchanges and pursue a higher level of cooperation, ensuring that the Sino-Laotian partnership continues to thrive and deliver substantial benefits to both countries.
Reference(s):
Li Qiang calls on China, Laos to enhance practical cooperation
cgtn.com
