1st LD-Writethru: President Xi proposes community of common destiny with Laos

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on China and Laos to build an unshakable community of common destiny.

Xi made the remarks as he met with Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachit ahead of the G20 Hangzhou summit. Bounnhang has been invited to attend the summit as a guest, as his country currently holds ASEAN rotating presidency.

Xi said that during the 55 years since diplomatic relations were established, the two countries have cooperated in various areas, to the benefit of both peoples.

During Bounnhang's China visit in May, the two countries agreed on comprehensive strategic cooperation in the new era, Xi said.

China and Laos should advance their comprehensive strategic partnership and join hands in building a community of common destiny, Xi said.

The two countries should work on the Belt and Road Initiative and cooperate in production capacity, infrastructure, energy, and the economy, he said.

The 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties will be celebrated with exchange and cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and law enforcement security, he said.

Laos' attendance in the G20 summit is of great importance, the Chinese president said.

Bounnhang thanked China for the invitation and for the inclusion of "development" in the G20 summit agenda

Laos will continue to support China's important role in global and regional affairs, and will strengthen bilateral communication and coordination, said Bounnhang. Endi