Laos, China mark 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations

VIENTIANE, ( KPL) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Laos held a party in Vientiane, on 25 April, to mark the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and China.
Attending the event were Prime Minister of Laos, Mr. Thongsing Thammavong, Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavat, Chinese Ambassador to the Lao PDR, Mrs Bu Jiangua, high-ranking officials from both sides.
Dr. Thongloun recalled that over the past 50 years between two countries, which Laos and China have exchanged enduring visits between high-ranking delegations of two States and Parties and mass organisations.
In 2000, former President of the Lao PDR, Mr. Khamtay Siphandone and former President of China, Mr. Jiang Zemin exchanged their goodwill visits in respectively, he said.
Dr. Thongloun continued that in 2006, Lao President Choummaly Sayasone and China’s President Hu Jintao also paid goodwill visits between China and Laos.
In 2009, Mr. Choummaly paid a goodwill visit to China, during the visit, both leaders agreed to reinforce the existing relations between Laos and China as a strategic partners.
Last year, President Choummaly met with Vice-President of China, Mr. Xi Jinping in Vientiane Capital where they have unanimously agreed to enhance all-round cooperation between Laos and China, Dr. Thongloun added.
Mrs Jiangua said that last year’s bilateral trade value amounted to more than US$1 billion.
As a result, the China’s ranked the second trade partner of the Lao PDR and second large investor in Laos.