Laos, China eye closer cooperation

The Lao and Chinese governments have been strengthening their relationship with the aim of reinforcing cooperation and working more closely in the development of their two countries.
This was the main topic of discussion during an official visit to Laos this week by Mr Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of the China Central Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee.

Mr Wang and his delegation visited Laos from November 16-19 when they were warmly received by the President of the Lao Front for National Development, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane.
The meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation between the Lao and Chinese governments, especially between the Lao Front for National Development and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee in the fields of solidarity, religion, and ethnic groups.
During the meeting, Dr Xaysomphone noted that the Lao Front for National Development and the CPPCC National Committee have been cooperating through reciprocal working visits by officials. In March a delegation from the Lao Front for National Development visited Beijing to attend the signing ceremony of an agreement on cooperation from 2019-2024.
The two sides discussed future cooperation and agreed to continue to share their experiences and hold meetings in relation to solidarity between Laos, China and Vietnam, especially in provinces with shared borders.
Mr Wang paid a courtesy visit to high-ranking Lao officials including President Bounnhang Vorachit and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. He also visited some of the country’s most prominent landmarks.
Mr Wang is a member of the Standing Committee of the 19th CPC Central Committee Political Bureau and Chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update November 20, 2019)