Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to take China-Laos strategic partnership to a new stage while meeting with Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong in Beijing on April 11.

Xi said China highly values its friendship with Laos , calling on both sides to consolidate cooperation so as to remain good neighbours, friends, comrades and partners.

He proposed that high-level Party and State exchanges continue along with stepping up strategic coordination, sharing governance experience, and expanding cultural exchanges and cooperation in such areas as energy, tourism and infrastructure building.

For his part, Thongsing thanked China for its support and help for his country over the past years.

He said strengthening the all-round strategic partnership with China is of great help to Laos 's domestic development.

Laos is committed to implementing the important agreements reached by the two heads of state, cementing connection with China in various areas, particularly its railway project, he said.

The two sides also issued a joint press communique, highlighting the consensus reached during Thongsing's China tour.

The Lao PM’s visit to China, spanning from April 8-12, was made at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

VNA