Chinese President Xi Jinping’s two-day state visit to Laos beginning Nov. 13 was eagerly expected by Laotians, who believed that the trip symbolizes the profound friendship between the two countries.

The national flags of China and Laos and banners fluttered in the streets of Vientiane, capital of Laos, to greet Xi.

Local newspapers in both Lao and English reported on China on their front pages, while several ministerial officials of Laos gave interviews to local media to create a friendly atmosphere for the trip.

Lao singer Sack Cells, who has become an internet sensation for his song “The Belt and Road,” composed a new song specifically for Xi’s visit.

Xi’s visit reflects the profound friendship China’s Party, government, and people harbor towards Laos, said Saleumxay Kommasith, Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs, adding that his country has already been ready for his tour.

The Lao language version of Xi's book on governance has been officially launched in Vientiane. The book, "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," is an anthology of 79 speeches, talks, interviews, notes and letters of the Chinese leader between November 2012 and June 2014.

Hundreds of books have been sold. Readers said they would not only read through the book but also share it with friends.

The book offers an insight into the great wisdom and political responsibility of the leader of a major country, said general manager of BooYoung Lao Bank, adding that Laos should feel the pulse of China’s reform and development through the book, which would help guide the country’s future development.

Speaking highly of Xi’s proposal to forge an unbreakable China-Laos community of shared destiny, deputy editor-in-chief Panee Manithip of Lao newspaper Pasaxon stressed that it conforms with the development trends in the new era.

Late Lao leader Quinim Pholsena was an important cultivator of China-Laos friendship. During Xi’s visit to Laos as vice president of China in 2010, he arranged a meeting with descendants of Quinim Pholsena.

His daughter, Khemmani Pholsena, who is the Minister of Industry and Commerce, noted that Xi was his brother’s classmate when her family was in China.

“Xi is visiting Laos again, and the excitement we feel cannot be put into words,” Khemmani Pholsena said, adding Lao people appreciate the Chinese leader who has remained true to his original aspirations.

Xi’s Laos trip comes as economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has been marching towards new highs in recent years.

The successful launch of a Lao communication satellite with a Chinese carrier rocket as well as the construction of the China-Laos railwayare set to improve the local livelihood and bring joy to the Lao people.