China, Russia, Laos hold first trilateral foreign ministers' meeting

China, Russia and Laos convened their first trilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Vientiane on Thursday, vowing to strengthen cooperation and safeguard regional security and stability. 

The meeting, chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, saw the participation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

During the meeting, Wang emphasized the growing influence of the "Global South" amidst a global landscape marked by hegemonism, protectionism and regional conflicts. He highlighted the roles of China, Russia and Laos as emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific region and as constructive forces for regional peace and development. He said strengthening cooperation among the three countries can not only safeguard their shared interests, but promote regional stability and prosperity.

Wang also commended Laos for its effective chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and expressed China's readiness to collaborate with Russia in supporting ASEAN-centered regional cooperation. He stressed the importance of Laos and other ASEAN countries maintaining the right direction for East Asian cooperation.

Lavrov and Saleumxay underscored the sincere mutual support and shared positions on major issues among the three countries, noting that trilateral cooperation benefits their respective populations. Both Russia and Laos expressed their willingness to enhance communication and coordination with China, solidify political trust, and plan future cooperation to create a greater synergy for safeguarding common interests in the region.

The ministers lauded the achievements of "Belt and Road" cooperation, committing to further integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN's development strategies. They agreed to create more cooperation growth points, injecting new momentum into regional integration.

They also praised the successfully establishment of mutual connectivity between the China-Laos Railway and China-Europe freight trains, which opened the Russia-Manzhouli-Chengdu-Kunming-Vientiane-Bangkok international railway corridor. The three countries plan to leverage their geographical advantages and resources to promote the high-quality development of the "China-Laos Railway + China-Europe freight trains."

The ministers also expressed concern over external forces stirring up trouble in the Asia-Pacific region. They committed to strengthening coordination to de-escalate regional hotspots and maintain regional security and stability.

Furthermore, the ministers agreed to strengthen the docking of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS and ASEAN cooperation frameworks, promoting regional integration. They welcomed the participation of the ASEAN secretary-general and SCO secretary-general in each other's institutional meetings and expressed support for Laos becoming a dialogue partner of the SCO and participating in BRICS activities.