China and Laos are ready to further strengthen bilateral ties and deliver more tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Mao made the remarks in response to a media query about Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane's official visit to China from March 12 to 15.
"This will be Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh's first visit to China since he assumed the office and he is also the first foreign minister to visit China after China's 'two sessions.' This embodies the great importance both sides attach to China-Laos relations. During his visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with Foreign Minister Thongsavanh and exchange views on implementing the consensus reached between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, and strengthening bilateral and multilateral strategic coordination," Mao said.
"China hopes that this visit will help deepen and solidify the building of China-Laos community with a shared future, deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries, and contribute to the world and regional peace, stability and development," she said.
China, Laos to strengthen bilateral ties: spokeswoman
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
