Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang held talks in Beijing on Monday with Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, calling for further bilateral relations and build the China-Laos Community with a shared future.
Having welcomed the friendly relations between China and Laos, Li said China attaches great importance to relations with Laos and is prepared to work with the country to pursue their traditional friendship, deepen mutual political trust, implement the plan of action to build a community with a shared future for both countries, and foster cooperation with win-win outcomes.
Noting the enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries, Li pointed out that last year, despite major obstacles - the bilateral trade volume increased.
China is ready to cooperate with Laos to foster the development of major infrastructure projects and boost relations in finance and agriculture, and welcome high-quality agricultural products for the Chinese market, Li said.
Li also stressed that China is encouraging its competitive and reliable enterprises to invest in Laos and support the nation's efforts to improve the livelihood of its citizens.
Li also expressed China's support for Laos in hosting the third meeting of leaders of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) and said that China is willing to collaborate with ASEAN countries, including Laos, to facilitate regional economic integration and to promote the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as expected this year to co-found regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Sisoulith congratulated China on its achievements in development and said last year's signing of the action plan on building a community with a shared future for both countries has laid a solid foundation for both sides to strengthen mutual political trust and deepen cooperation in other related fields.
Laos is willing to work closely with China to enhance exchanges of expertise on governance, and deepen cooperation in trade, finance, tourism and agriculture, as well as the Laos-China Rail Project, Thongloun said.
Sisoulith pointed out that his country will continue to promote trade facilitation, improve its business environment, and welcome investment in Laos by Chinese companies.
During the talks, Li and Sisoulith witnessed the signing of several agreements on bilateral cooperation covering areas such as banking, information and e-commerce. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, also met with Sisoulith, Monday.
The NPC official said that they are ready and willing to work with the Laos Parliament to share expertise and best practices on governance and advance cooperation between legislative bodies.
