China supports Laos hosting ASEM summit next year

VIENTIANE.JUNE.(KPL)- Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo said Sunday that China supports Laos’ hosting the ninth summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) next year.
Dai made the remark in a meeting with Laotian Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province.
Dai and Somsavat came to Kunming to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th China Kunming Import and Export Fair and the fourth South Asian Countries Trade Fair. “As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Laos diplomatic ties, the relationship now stands at a new historic starting point,” Dai said, pledging that China will make joint efforts with Laos to push forward bilateral relations.
Somsavat said the two countries have scored tremendous achievement in bilateral partnership, which is highlighted by increasing political trust and practical cooperation.
Chinese companies play a leading role in foreign investment in Laos, Somsavat said, adding Laos thinks its development is inseparable from China’s support.
The five-day Import and Export Fair started Sunday evening and will conclude on June 10.