Beijing, May 15th—Chen Zhou, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Somphone Sichaleune, Lao Ambassador to China. The two sides exchanged views on China-Laos relations, especially on issues of common interest, such as inter-party exchanges between China and Laos. 

Chen stated, China has always taken Laos as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. The two sides need to take the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Laos and the Year of China-Laos Friendship as an opportunity, actively implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, step up communication and exchanges at all levels and through various channels, and make positive contributions to the development of bilateral relations and the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future. 

Somphone noted, Laos attaches great importance to implementing the important consensus between the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries. The Embassy of Laos in China stands ready to maintain close exchanges and cooperation with the IDCPC, give full play to its role as a bridge, and continuously push for new achievements in advancing the building of a Laos-China community with a shared future.