Premier Li: China ready to strengthen synergy of development strategies with Laos

China is ready to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Laos, promote the expansion and improvement of economic and trade cooperation, explore more converging interests and new cooperation opportunities for mutual success, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday.

Li made the remarks during his official visit to Laos when meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Noting that China has always placed developing its relations with Laos as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, Li said China is ready to work with Laos to deepen political mutual trust, uphold mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and enhance unity and collaboration to build a more solid, dynamic and effective China-Laos community with a shared future.

China is willing to import more high-quality agricultural products from Laos, he said, calling on both sides to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as medicine, education, media and cultural tourism to continuously enhance mutual understanding between the people.

The Chinese premier also expressed willingness to enhance coordination and cooperation with Laos in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

Sonexay, for his part, said Laos stands ready to work with China to maintain close exchanges at various levels, expand cooperation in fields including trade, investment, agriculture, infrastructure and digital economy, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

He also called for upholding mutual support on global and regional affairs, and safeguarding strategic interests to promote the continuous upgrading of building a Laos-China community with a shared future.

The two sides also issued a joint statement during Li's visit.