Lao Top Leader Meets Xi, Oversees Signing of 32 Cooperation Agreements

Beijing: Following the ceremony, the two leaders held bilateral talks, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the comprehensive, stable and enduring strategic partnership and advancing the Laos-China community with a shared future under the spirit of the 'Four Goods' relationship. According to Lao News Agency, President Thongloun expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Chinese leadership and highly valued China's achievements in modernization, economic development, and governance. He also thanked China for its longstanding support to Laos and reaffirmed Laos' commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across all sectors. President Xi welcomed the Lao delegation and spoke positively of President Thongloun's visit, including his engagements in Zhejiang Province. He emphasized the importance of strengthening exchanges between the two Parties and countries, particularly in Party-building, governance, state administration, and youth development, to carry forward the tra ditional friendship between Laos and China. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues and reached broad consensus on expanding cooperation, accelerating the implementation of key projects, and advancing the master plan for building a Laos-China community with a shared future. During the visit, President Thongloun invited President Xi to visit Laos at a mutually convenient time. President Xi accepted the invitation with appreciation. Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 32 cooperation agreements and documents covering Party affairs, trade, investment, finance, energy, agriculture, culture, human resource development, and Chinese assistance projects. The two sides also issued a Joint Statement on Building a Strong and Resilient Laos-China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, which stands as the principal outcome of the state visit and outlines the future direction of bilateral relations.