Chinese Premier Li Qiang Advocates Enhanced Cooperation with Laos

Vientiane, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed China’s commitment to collaborating with Laos to establish a community characterized by high standards, quality, and cooperation, delivering mutual benefits to both nations. Li made these remarks during a meeting in Vientiane with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, on Friday.

In his address, Premier Li conveyed warm greetings from Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China, commending Laos for successfully hosting a series of leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation.

Li emphasized the strong bonds of friendship between China and Laos, stating that their socialist partnership has endured the test of time over the past 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, demonstrating renewed vitality despite shifting international dynamics. He noted the importance of the close strategic communication between General Secretary Xi and General Secretary Thongloun in steering the development of the China-Laos community with a shared future in the new era.

Highlighting China’s dedication to fostering relations with Laos, Li stated that the nation places significant importance on its relationship with Laos within its neighborhood diplomacy framework. He expressed China’s readiness to deepen political mutual trust and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the strategic guidance from both countries’ top leaders.

The Premier reiterated China’s steadfast support for Laos in pursuing a socialist path tailored to its national conditions, emphasizing the commitment to assist each other on core interests and major concerns.

Li urged both countries to expedite the implementation of the new action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future and to continue aligning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Laos’ transformation from a landlocked to a land-linked nation. He called for enhanced practical cooperation in trade, investment, production capacity, and other sectors, highlighting the potential of the China-Laos Railway in driving all-round cooperation.

Additionally, Premier Li expressed China’s willingness to expand cultural, tourism, and educational exchanges with Laos to foster mutual understanding and friendship, thereby establishing a solid public foundation for deepening bilateral cooperation.

In response, Thongloun conveyed his sincere greetings to Xi Jinping and congratulated China on the successful third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. He praised China’s remarkable achievements and growing international influence under the leadership of the CPC.

Emphasizing Laos’ commitment to the one-China principle, Thongloun reaffirmed Laos’ support for China in safeguarding its core interests concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong. He also expressed support for China’s three global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.

Looking ahead, Thongloun stated that Laos is eager to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, align its national development strategy with the BRI, and enhance cooperation in critical areas such as the Laos-China Railway. He underscored the importance of deepening cultural and people-to-people exchanges to elevate the construction of the China-Laos community with a shared future, ultimately benefiting both nations and their peoples.