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President Jiang Arrives in Laos
Vientiane, the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, embraced Chinese President Jiang Zemin with all its warmth Saturday night.
The president flew from Beijing which is now caught in a winter spell Saturday afternoon to descend on the summer heat of the Wattay International Airport at 6:30 pm on Saturday to begin his two-day visit to China's immediate neighbour.
Jiang is the most senior Chinese official to visit the Southeast country since China and Laos established diplomatic relations 39 years ago.
Laos rolled out a red-carpet welcome to President Jiang, who came to Laos at the invitation of his counterpart Khamtay Siphandone.
Jiang was greeted at the airport by Somsavat Lengsavad, vice-premier of the Laotian Government and Zhao Jiahua, Chinese ambassador to Laos.
In a written speech delivered upon his arrival at the Lao capital, Jiang said he will conduct in-depth discussion with the Laotian leaders on how to strengthen Sino-Laotian relations in the new century, as well as other issues of common concerns.
"Linked by common mountains and rivers, the traditional friendship between the two peoples has withstood the trial of historical vicissitudes, demonstrating strong vitality and broad prospects for development," said the Chinese president.
Expressing his satisfaction to the good neighbourly and friendly relations and frequent high-level contacts between China and Laos, Jiang said exchanges and co-operation in areas such as the political, economic and trade, culture, education and health have yielded gratifying results.
"Facts have proven that to further consolidate and develop the friendly relations and co-operation between China and Laos not only serves the fundamental interests of our two peoples but also peace and stability of the region," he said.
The president is scheduled to meet with President Khamtay Siphandone, Prime Minister Sisavat Keobounphan and National Assembly President Saman Vinhaket on Sunday.
Jiang will fly to Cambodia on Monday before heading to Brunei on November 15, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry sources.
As well as visiting the three Southeast Asian countries, the president will also attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei Darussalam, on November 15 and 16, where he will expound on China's policies and positions regarding regional co-operation.
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