1st LD: Chinese premier arrives in Laos for visit, East Asia leaders' meetings

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived late Tuesday in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, setting in motion his first official visit to the country, where he will also attend the East Asia Summit.

During the visit, Li will also attend the 19th China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting, and the 19th meeting of the leaders of ASEAN-China, Japan and South Korea (10+3).

Li's trip, which came on the heels of the Group of 20 summit in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, is widely considered important diplomatically to deepen China's relations with the countries of Southeast Asia, and promote cooperation among East Asian countries.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the Chinese side stands ready to work with ASEAN to hold a successful summit and take the anniversary as an opportunity to build a closer China-ASEAN community of common destiny.

This year also coincides with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Laos diplomatic ties.

According to Hua, both sides have maintained frequent high-level exchanges, cemented political mutual trust and achieved fruitful results in economic and trade cooperation.

In Laos, Premier Li is expected to hold talks with Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

Li's visit will bring the China-Laos comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation to a new high and bring more benefits to both peoples, Hua added. Endi