China to upgrade quality of China-Laos cooperation: Li Qiang

China is ready to upgrade the quality of China-Laos cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday during a meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

China has always taken a strategic view of China-Laos relations and is willing to work with the Lao side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, closely focus on building a China-Laos community with a shared future of high standards, quality and level, Li said.

Li called for strengthening the synergy of development strategies between the two sides and continuing to deepen cooperation in various fields, to share opportunities and promote development, and to work for the well-being of the people of the two countries and contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

China is willing to work with the Lao side to continue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, he said, adding that the two sides should further promote the role of the China-Laos Railway in the development of the two countries. 

Li also said China is willing to strengthen cooperation in various fields and import more high-quality Lao products.

He said China will strengthen people-to-people exchanges, promote mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples and build the social foundation of China-Laos friendship. 

China supports Laos in assuming the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN next year and is willing to work with Laos to promote the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, he added.

For his part, Sonexay said the Lao side is grateful to China for its strong support for the economic and social development of Laos and highly appreciates the fruitful results of the cooperation between the two countries.

The Lao side firmly adheres to the one-China principle, firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests and is willing to promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road and practical cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, investment, strengthening coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and jointly safeguarding strategic interests, he said.