Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone sat down with CGTN's Liu Yang, to share insights into the future development of both countries, the relationship between China and ASEAN nations and the benefits that the Belt and Road Initiative has brought to the region.
LIU YANG CGTN Reporter "How would you assess the state of Laos-China relations, and what are your expectations for their future development?"
SONEXAY SIPHANDONE Lao Prime Minister "Laos and China have always maintained a very friendly cooperative relationship. In 2017, the two countries agreed to jointly build a community with strategic significance for the shared future of China and Laos. In 2019, the two countries jointly signed an action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future. This year, we will also attend the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. The two countries have also strengthened cooperation in the security field, such as combating transit crimes and electronic fraud. Currently, Laos has 14 agricultural products that meet China's inspection and quarantine requirements for export. In the future, we also hope to attract more Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Laos. In 2017, President Xi Jinping visited Laos and provided eight major aid projects to support Laos' poverty alleviation efforts. While some countries and media claim that Laos has fallen into a debt trap with China, it's important to note that Laos carries debts not only from China but also from other international financial institutions. These debts have made positive contributions to Laos' economic and social development, which is why we have borrowed them."
