By Connect Stories Africa Correspondent
Chinese President Xi Jinping last week called on China and Laos to forge a landmark model for Belt and Road cooperation in what could translate into a major diplomatic success for the Asian nation.
President Xi said the two sides should continue to strengthen the development of the China-Laos Railway and promote the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor.
President Xi said this when meeting Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president.
The Chinese president had arrived in Kazan earlier in the day for the 16th BRICS Summit.
Noting that the two sides reached an important consensus on deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperation in October 2023, President Xi said that over the past year various departments and regions of the two parties and countries had actively implemented this consensus of promoting fruitful cooperation in areas such as connectivity, trade and investment.
He also said the same strides had been achieved on people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
As socialist comrades and brothers, relations with Laos are of special importance in China’s neighborhood diplomacy, and the two countries have always stayed at the forefront of building a community with a shared future, said President Xi.
He added that regardless of how the international situation changes, China will always be a trustworthy friend and partner of Laos.
“China is advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development, while Laos is also entering a new stage of national development and revitalization,” President Xi said.
“China is ready to work with Laos to strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and advance the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future to new heights.
President Xi said that China is willing to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with Laos and continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns.
“China is willing to import more high-quality agricultural products from Laos and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, culture and youth,” said the Chinese leader.