China, Laos look to strengthen bond and cooperation

Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called for joint efforts with Laos to advance the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future that carries strategic significance toward higher standards, better quality, and higher levels.

Wang made the remarks during his meeting in Beijing with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, who is on a special trip to Beijing to attend a reception marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Noting that China and Laos are comrades and brothers, Wang said the two countries enjoy a profound traditional friendship and maintain close interactions at all levels and across all fields.

China stands ready to strengthen strategic communication and enhance mutual political trust, he said, while calling for efforts to advance bilateral cooperation in areas such as the construction of the China-Laos Railway, mineral resources, the economy and trade, and human resources development.

Wang stressed the two sides should deepen collaboration under multilateral frameworks — including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — jointly implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, better promote Laos's independent development, and contribute to peace and development in the region and the world at large.

For his part, Thongsavanh hailed Laos and China as like-minded partners and friends. He said the Lao party and government attach great importance to developing relations with China and appreciate China's long-term support and assistance to Laos' socioeconomic development.

Laos firmly abides by the one-China principle, he added.

Thongsavanh said Laos looks forward to taking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Laos-China Friendship as an opportunity to further deepen mutual trust, promote practical cooperation, and strengthen multilateral coordination.

He also emphasized the importance of implementing the action plan while striving for further achievements in building the Laos-China community with a shared future.