With China-Laos friendship continuing to show enduring strength, the two countries are seeking deeper cooperation at both the state and party levels, Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of Laos, said on Wednesday.
Thongloun arrived in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, on Tuesday for a five-day state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) the following day, the visiting leader shared his expectations for the future of bilateral relations.
"This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Laos and China, and it is also the Laos-China Friendship Year. Since the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, relations between Laos and China have continued to deepen, strengthen, and expand in all areas. This is plain to see. I believe that from now on, cooperation and diplomatic ties between our two countries will become better, stronger, deeper and elevated to a higher level," he said.
As friendly neighbors, China and Laos share a friendship that has lasted for generations. In the 1960s, China helped war-ravaged Laos set up the "67" School in Nanning City of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the south. Thongloun, then in his 20s, was among the teachers who accompanied more than 500 Lao students on their educational journey in China.
Recalling that shared history, Thongloun said the two nations are building even deeper cooperation and friendship, guided by the spirit of the "Four Goods" -- good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners.
"This is part of our shared experience. I believe that the Communist Party of China and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party share common ideals. Our cooperation and strong relations have a long history, and they will continue to develop. Cooperation between our two parties and two countries has become increasingly close. Guided by the spirit of the 'Four Goods,' we have established a long-term and stable strategic partnership. We have also determined to build a Laos-China community with a shared future. Our mutual understanding will help our two countries continue to move forward along the socialist path," he said.
Lao president expects deeper China-Laos ties at state, party levels
