Xi says China to cement bilateral partnership with Laos

BEIJING, Sept. 26 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on Thursday with his Lao counterpart Choummaly Saygnasone in the Great Hall of the People and pledged to further cement the all-around strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries.

China and Laos, as socialist countries and friendly neighbors, constitute a community that share the same destiny as well as extensive common interests, Xi said during the talks, which followed a welcome ceremony for the visiting Lao president outside the hall in the afternoon.

Both China and Laos consider the bilateral relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective and give priority to the development of the relationship, no matter how the international situation changes, said the Chinese president.

The Chinese side stands ready to work together with the Laos to enrich and develop the China-Laos partnership featuring mutual trust, mutual assistance and reciprocity, Xi said, calling for continued high-level interactions, enhanced strategic communication on major issues of both concern and mutual support for each other's adherence to the socialist path suitable for their national conditions as well as the ruling of the communist parties.

Choummaly, who is also secretary general of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), is paying an official visit to China from Thursday to Monday.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also advocated that the two sides deepen their inter-party exchanges and cooperation, especially on theoretical studies.

During the talks, Xi said China and Laos should expand their cooperation from traditional areas including inter-connectivity, energy and resources to new sectors, such as green agriculture and ecological tourism, and continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation on legislation, culture, education, public health, mass media, law enforcement, defense and security as well as communication and coordination on major issues concerning regional peace and stability.

Echoing Xi's appraisal of the bilateral relationship and proposals to elevate the partnership, Choummaly said the Lao party, government and people always regard China as a close and reliable friend and comrade.

Hailing the deepening bilateral relationship and the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in trade, infrastructure, education, culture, defense and security, Choummaly thanked China for the long-lasting support and assistance.

The Laos hopes to work together with China to strengthen strategic communication, boost reciprocal cooperation, implement the consensus reached during this China visit and step up coordination in regional and international affairs to safeguard their common interests in pursuit of common development.

During the talks, Xi and Choummaly also briefed each other on domestic conditions.

Xi praised the achievements that the Lao people have made led by the LPRP, stressing the importance of party building.

Choummaly spoke highly of China's feat in building a moderately prosperous society, adding he is confident that the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be realized and China will make prominent contributions to world peace and development.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation deals.