Laos and China have made great progress in bilateral cooperation over the past 55 years, with huge potential for further development, the Lao foreign minister has said.
Saleumxay Kommasith made the remarks at a reception hosted by Chinese Embassy in Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday evening to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, the bilateral relations have been significantly improved and the two countries have maintained frequent high-level contacts as well as exchanges among localities, the Lao minister said.
Exchanges of experience on governance between the two countries have also been strengthened, thus promoting the development of bilateral ties in a fast, intensive and effective way, Saleumxay said.
Pragmatic cooperation between the two countries has contributed greatly to the socio-economic growth of Laos, benefited the peoples of both countries and promoted the maintenance and development of peace, friendship and cooperation in the region, he added.
Laos and China are good neighbors with huge potential for further cooperation, especially in infrastructure connectivity, clean energy, manufacturing and processing as well as import-export, eco-tourism and "green" agriculture, among others, he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Laos Guan Huabing said China is willing to join hands with Laos to further promote bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and build a community of common destiny for the prosperity of the two peoples.
Guan expressed the belief that with joint efforts, the traditional friendship between China and Laos will be further developed.
Over 300 people attended the reception in Vientiane.
