On January 21st, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President spoke with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee on the phone.

On behalf of the CPC as well as the Chinese government and people, Xi congratulated Thongloun on his election as General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee. Xi said that the successful convention of the 11th LPRP Congress, which put forward a series of new approaches to and new measures on party and state governance, is of great significance to continuously pushing forward the development of Laos' socialist cause. He said he is confident that under the leadership of the new LPRP Central Committee headed by Thongloun, all LPRP members and all Lao people will unite as one and strive to realize the goals set at the 11th congress.

Xi pointed out that China and Laos are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, adding that upholding the leadership of the Communist party and adhering to the socialist orientation are the essential features of bilateral relations. The China-Laos relationship is now at its historical best. Amid the combined impact of profound changes unseen in a century in the world and the global COVID-19 pandemic, China is willing to work with Laos to further intensify high-level exchanges, enhance strategic communication, and deepen exchanges of experience in party governance and state administration. The two sides should steadily advance the construction of such large projects as the China-Laos Economic Corridor and the China-Laos Railway, and push for more achievements in bilateral Belt and Road cooperation. Xi also called for concerted efforts to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as culture, youth and tourism, and continuously enrich the cultural content of the China-Laos community with a shared future. China will continue to support Laos' efforts to fight the pandemic, and stands ready to actively consider aiding Laos with a batch of COVID-19 vaccines. China is willing to work with Laos to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and promote common development and prosperity. Xi also wished Thongloun new greater achievements in the new important post.

Thongloun appreciated Xi for talking with him over the telephone shortly after the successful 11th LPRP Congress, saying that it fully demonstrates the great importance Xi attaches to Laos-China relations and the profound bond and traditional friendship between the two parties, two countries and two peoples. The 11th LPRP Congress achieved a series of important results, and the LPRP will adhere to the path of principled comprehensive reform, lead the Lao people to new victories, and lay a solid foundation for promoting socialist construction in Laos. Laos sincerely appreciates the valuable support and assistance China has provided in various stages of Laos' development, including in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Laos will continue to push forward the implementation of the action plan on the Laos-China community with a shared future, strengthen bilateral cooperation in such areas as building the Belt and Road, and promote friendly exchanges at all levels. Laos firmly believes that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi at its core, the Chinese people will surely make new achievements in building a modern socialist country in an all-round way and realize the set goals as scheduled.

In the conversation, Xi and Thongloun jointly announced the official launch of the China-Laos Friendship Year, which will feature a series of celebrations to further cement public support for the China-Laos friendship.

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