China encourages people-to-people exchanges with Laos

China will increase people-to-people exchanges with Laos and welcomes the return of Laotian students who are willing to resume their studies in China, Premier Li Keqiang said when meeting with Laotian Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Saturday.

Noting that China and Laos are close neighbors that enjoy a long-standing, good-neighborly friendship, Li said China will work with Laos to increase high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation for greater achievements in developing bilateral relations.

The premier expressed China’s readiness to work with Laos to carry out wind, solar and other clean energy cooperation, facilitate customs clearance, and import more quality agricultural products from Laos.

China will continue to do its best to help and support Laos in areas related to people’s livelihood, Li added.

The Laotian prime minister said his country firmly supports China in defending its core interests and stands ready to step up cooperation with China on trade, economy, energy, agriculture and other areas.

He also called on the two sides to fully leverage the positive role of the Laos-China railway and work for new progress in the bilateral relations.