VIENTIANE: Laos and China are continuing to enhance the friendly relations, mutual support and comprehensive strategic partnership between their two governments and in particular between their Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
A bilateral meeting between Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Director of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Foreign Affairs Commission Office and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Vientiane on Thursday (July 25) served to further enhance the two countries’ close relations.
The two foreign ministers met for talks during an official visit by a Chinese delegation to Laos to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings taking place from July 24-28.
The two ministers reviewed past bilateral cooperation and discussed future plans for cooperation, aiming to strengthen ties in various spheres, based on an agreement made between the two countries’ highest level of leadership.
In addition, the ministers discussed the master plan to build a new chapter in the Laos-China strategic partnership during the years 2024-2028, with a focus on the Laos-China Railway and development of the Laos-China Economic Corridor.
The two sides agreed to continue to cooperate in establishing a dialogue mechanism for the advancement of Laos-China economic and diplomatic cooperation, resolve macro-economic problems, and foster greater cooperation in trade and tourism.
The ministers also exchanged comments on regional and international affairs in which they have a common interest.
After their meeting, Saleumxay Kommasith and Wang Yi witnessed the signing of three new agreements drawn up between the governments of Laos and China.
One referred to a grant to upgrade Luang Prabang provincial hospital, the second concerned a grant to upgrade secondary schools in Savannakhet province, and the third agreement related to a grant-in-aid programme for the provision of vehicles and equipment to be used when the 5th Population Census is conducted in Laos next year.
On the same day, Wang Yi led his delegation on a visit to the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also attended a welcome party hosted by his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith. - Vientiane Times/ANN
