On November 5, 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong in Vientiane.
During the talks, Wen said the sound friendship and mutual trust between China and Laos have withstood the tests of time, adding that bilateral communication and cooperation are becoming more vigorous with both sides committed to enhancing their relations. "China is willing to work with Laos to address various challenges, bring benefit to the two peoples and safeguard regional peace and stability," he said. China, he added, will maintain close coordination with Laos to ensure the success of the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting.
Wen noted that the two countries should fully implement the consensus reached between them and map out an action plan as soon as possible for their comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. The two sides should enhance cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure construction and satellite communication, boost coordination under the mechanism of the Mekong river law enforcement security cooperation, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, he said.
For his part, Thongsing said Wen's visit to Laos and his attendance at the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting on the eve of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) are a full embodiment of China's high attention to the relations with Laos and strong support for it. The Lao side is delighted with the in-depth development of Laos-China good-neighborly and friendly relations. Laos will work with China to further increase high-level contacts and friendly exchanges at all levels and enhance communication on state governance. Laos, he said, will also make concerted efforts with China to maintain close coordination on global and regional affairs, expand cooperation in culture, economy and trade, and combat cross-border crimes so as to continuously push forward bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Prior to their talks, the two leaders attended the inauguration ceremony of the International Convention Center of Laos and witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.
