Xi meets Lao president, wraps up Southeast Asian tour

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Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit again on Tuesday, ahead of concluding his state visit to the country.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee expressed his appreciation to the warm reception from Laos, and thanked for President Bounnhang Vorachit coming to bid farewell.

Xi said his visit was short but fruitful, as he had in-depth communication with the leaders of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party ((LPRP), as well as close interactions with people from all walks of life.

"I have confidence in the vision of China-Laos relations," Xi said, adding two sides should fully implement the results of this visit.

The two leaders held a meeting on Monday, where Xi and Bounnhang agreed to elevate their long-standing and stable comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new stage and vowed to jointly create a shared future with strategic importance.

For his part, President Bounnhang Vorachit said Xi's visit to Laos is a success and promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level fully demonstrates the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit witnessed the signing of cooperation agreement in foreign affairs between China and Laos on November 14, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Laos is willing to work with China on implementing the fruitful outcomes of Xi's visit, and to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields to achieve greater development, Bounnhang noted.

"I sincerely wish the CPC and people a greater victory." Bounnhang said.

After the meeting, Xi and Bounnhang witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement in foreign affairs between China and Laos.

Xi returned to Beijing on Tuesday evening after paying state visits to Vietnam and Laos. During his stay in Vietnam, Xi also attended the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang.

It was Xi's first overseas trip after the 19th CPC National Congress in October.

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