Chinese premier meets Lao counterpart on closer cooperation

PHNOM PENH -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh agreed here on Saturday to promote bilateral ties for further development.

During their talk on the sidelines of the leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation, Li noted that China and Laos are neighbors linked by mountains and waters with longtime friendship.

China is willing to increase high-level contacts with Laos, boost mutual political trust, deepen practical cooperation and push for more fruits of the bilateral relationship development, he said.

China stands ready to work with Laos to strengthen communication and mutual-learning, so as to intensify the intrinsic motivation for promoting cooperation, he added.

China is willing to work with Laos to carry out wind, solar and other clean energy cooperation, accelerate the facilitation of customs clearance, expand the export of Lao premier agricultural products, increase people-to-people exchanges and welcome the Lao students to return to China and resume studies, Li said, adding that China is also willing to continue to offer help and support to Laos for the people's livelihood.

Phankham said the Laos-China relationship has been constantly deepened and developed, and bilateral strategic consensuses have been effectively implemented with rich results.

Laos firmly supports China to safeguard its core interests, and is willing to intensify exchanges with the Chinese side at all levels, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance, and enhance cooperation in areas including economy and trade, energy, and agriculture, he said.

He also hopes the Laos-China Railway can play an active role in pushing bilateral ties to further develop.