On October 9, Chinese Premier Li Qiang took off from Beijing on a chartered flight bound for Vientiane, following an invitation from Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who is currently serving as the rotating chair of ASEAN. The visit aims to participate in a series of East Asian cooperation leadership meetings and conduct an official visit to Laos.

Upon his arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane that evening, Li was greeted by Phayvanh Keokhamphou, Laos’ Minister of Planning and Investment and Chair of the China-Laos Cooperation Committee, along with Fang Hong, China’s Ambassador to Laos.

In his opening remarks, Premier Li highlighted the significant role Laos has played this year as ASEAN chair, underlining the country’s focus on practical cooperation, fostering consensus among member states, and advancing the ASEAN community alongside East Asian cooperation, all aimed at achieving new progress and successes. He reiterated China’s strong support for the development of the ASEAN community, emphasizing its central role in regional cooperation and increasing engagement in international affairs. Li expressed a desire for in-depth discussions on key regional cooperation issues, underscoring the importance of maintaining the region as a crucial driver of global development.

Li also noted that, under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Laos has significantly deepened, marking the start of a new era in building a community with a shared future. He pointed out China’s commitment to undertaking comprehensive reforms as it works toward its second centennial goal of establishing a modern socialist nation. At the same time, Laos is embarking on its own journey of reform and opening up, aiming to enhance its socialist initiatives. Li affirmed China’s readiness to align its development strategies with Laos, strengthen collaboration, and advance the construction of the China-Laos community for a shared future, ultimately benefiting the people of both countries.