Lao PM meets Chinese FM on ties

Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Saturday on bilateral ties and cooperation.

Laos and China are close, friendly neighbors, the prime minister said while expressing his appreciation for China's longtime help and support to Laos' economic and social development.

At present, China is deepening its reform and opening-up, while Laos is promoting its renovation and opening-up, Laos is willing to enhance exchange of experiences in governing state and expand pragmatic cooperation in all fields with China, he said.

Wang Yi pledged the new Chinese administration will carry forward the two countries' traditional friendship and unceasingly deepen the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Regardless of changes in international situation, China will always be Laos' firm cooperative partner and is willing to boost mutually beneficial cooperation, including cooperation in major projects, so as to benefit the Lao people as soon as possible, Wang said.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Thongloun Sisoulith, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Laos. During the talks, the two agreed to maintain high-level exchanges between the two countries and parties, boost cooperation in various fields including big projects like railways and roads, law enforcement and security as well as culture.

They also agreed to improve coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs such as the East Asia cooperation, promote the development of China-ASEAN relationship and embody the China-Laos strategic relationship in all fields of bilateral cooperation.