China pledges more vaccine in high-level talks

China, a leading provider of Covid-19 vaccine to Laos, has pledged to donate more vaccine to help Laos achieve its goal to inoculate 50 percent of the adult population by the end of this year.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced the planned assistance on Thursday during online talks with his Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith, according to the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
However, the quantity of vaccine and possible shipment date was not disclosed.

The talks aimed to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in line with the ‘four goods’ - good neighbours, friends, comrades and partners - between Laos and China.
The two ministers touched upon issues including the planned establishment of the Laos-China economic corridor during 2019-2030.
They also reviewed the progress of cooperation projects such as the Laos-China railway, which is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Slated to open for service in December this year, the railway will be a significant contribution to the Lao government’s efforts to transform Laos from a landlocked into a land-link country.
Progress has also been made on the construction of an expressway connecting Vientiane and the Chinese border. Construction of the section linking Vientiane and Vangvieng was completed last December and is now in public use.
The ministers said they highly valued the growing ties and cooperation between their neighbouring countries. They noted that leaders from both sides had maintained regular contact including through online talks during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ministers were delighted to note that the master plan on the building of a Laos-China community with a shared future has been actively implemented, the Lao ministry said.
Laos and China this year mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Laos-China Friendship Year 2021. Meanwhile, China this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.
The ministers also discussed regional and international issues of common interest.
Mr Saleumxay expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Party, government and people of China for extending invaluable assistance to Laos, especially Covid-19 vaccines, medical specialists and equipment.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
 (Latest Update September 10, 2021)