Premier Li to visit Laos next week

Premier Li Keqiang is to attend the China-ASEAN leaders' meetings in Vientiane and pay the neighboring country an official visit from Sept 6 to 9, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Laos assumes the chairmanship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year and hosts all ASEAN and East Asian summits along with other high-level meetings, which will bring hundreds of international delegations to Vientiane.

The premier is scheduled to attend the 19th China-ASEAN Leaders' Meeting, which also marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN ties, the 19th ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea leaders' meeting, as well as the 11th East Asia Summit, according to the ministry.

Premier Li's trip will be of great significance to further develop China-ASEAN ties and promote regional cooperation in East Asia, said the ministry's spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

This year also marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Laos, Hua said. It will be Li's first visit to the Southeast Asian neighbor since taking office. He will hold talks with Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and other leaders to exchange views on issues of common concerns.

"I believe Premier Li's visit will bring the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new high level and more benefits to both peoples," Hua added.