President Xi Jinping Calls for Stronger Belt and Road Cooperation with Laos

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasized the importance of strengthening Belt and Road cooperation between China and Laos, calling for the two nations to set an example in this area. The remarks were made during Xi’s meeting with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, who also serves as General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee.

President Xi highlighted the need to advance key infrastructure projects, particularly the China-Laos Railway and the China-Laos Economic Corridor. He underscored that the two countries reached an important consensus on deepening comprehensive strategic cooperation in October 2023, which has since led to significant progress in connectivity, trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.

“As socialist comrades and brothers, China and Laos share a unique bond,” Xi said, noting that their relationship is at the forefront of building a community with a shared future. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to being a reliable friend and partner to Laos, regardless of changes in the international landscape.

Xi also outlined China’s readiness to enhance strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation, stressing that China is advancing modernization through high-quality development, while Laos is entering a new phase of national revitalization. He expressed China’s willingness to support Laos by importing more high-quality agricultural products and expanding cooperation in education, culture, and youth exchanges.

President Xi congratulated Laos on successfully hosting the East Asian Leaders’ meetings and welcomed its active participation in BRICS cooperation. He called for strengthened multilateral coordination to safeguard international fairness and the interests of developing countries.

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his gratitude for China’s longstanding support, noting that bilateral relations are at their highest point in history. He reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to advancing the China-Laos Railway and the China-Laos Economic Corridor, while reiterating support for China’s core interests, including its positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang.

Thongloun also expressed his intention to continue working closely with China on ASEAN and other multilateral platforms to enhance regional and global cooperation.