China is willing to enhance strategic communication and close collaboration with Laos, and promote the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future to a higher level, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday.

Li made the remarks while meeting with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, who is on a state visit to China.

Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Li said China and Laos have always relied on and supported each other over the years. Especially in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, China-Laos relations have entered the best period in their history.

Li said China is willing to enhance the alignment of development strategies with Laos and fully unleash the positive effects of China's zero-tariff policy. China will continue to expand bilateral trade, further advance cooperation on the China-Laos Railway, accelerate the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and expand cooperation in energy and mineral resources, artificial intelligence, the digital economy and other fields to deliver more practical results.

China is willing to import more high-quality products from Laos and encourage Chinese-funded enterprises to invest in the country, and hopes Laos will provide a more favorable business environment for Chinese companies, said Li.

Noting that this year marks the Year of China-Laos Friendship, Li said China is ready to work with Laos to successfully host a series of celebratory activities, deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, education, healthcare and other fields, and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.

He also called for close coordination between the two countries to encourage all parties to jointly uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and safeguard free trade and economic globalization.

Thongloun expressed gratitude to China for the valuable support and assistance it has provided over a long period of time, adding that Laos will firmly adhere to the one-China principle and firmly support China's core interests on issues such as Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

He added that Laos is willing to strengthen cooperation in trade, digitalization, minerals, energy and other fields, promote exchanges and cooperation in culture and tourism, enhance coordination under mechanisms such as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, and work towards more achievements in building a community with a shared future between Laos and China.