On October 9, 2023, Chinese Premier Li Qiang embarked on a charter flight from Beijing, responding to an invitation from Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, the current chair of ASEAN. His itinerary includes participation in the East Asia Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting and a formal visit to Laos.
Upon his arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane on the evening of October 9, he was welcomed by Khamjane Vongphosy, the Lao Minister of Planning and Investment and chair of the Laos-China Cooperation Committee, alongside Fang Hong, the Chinese Ambassador to Laos.
During his visit, Li expressed gratitude for Laos’ leadership role within ASEAN this year, highlighting the country’s dedication to pragmatic cooperation and consensus-building among member nations. He reiterated China’s strong support for the establishment of the ASEAN Community, underscoring the bloc’s pivotal role in regional collaboration and its aspirations for a more influential position in international affairs. He also expressed a keen interest in engaging in comprehensive discussions on major regional cooperation issues to ensure the region remains a vital driver of global development.
Li noted that under the strategic direction of President Xi Jinping and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Thongloun Sisoulith, the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Laos has significantly advanced, entering a new era of fostering a shared future for both countries. He emphasized that as China implements substantial reforms to achieve its second centennial goal of establishing a modern socialist nation, Laos is also embarking on a new journey of reform and opening up to further its socialist objectives. Li affirmed China’s commitment to align development strategies with Lao initiatives, enhance solidarity and cooperation, and realize more concrete progress in building a community with a shared future, ultimately benefiting the people of both nations.
