Minister of Public Works and Transport Bounchan Sinthavong presents First Class Medal of Development to Chinese Ambassador to Laos Guan Huabin in Vientiane, Laos, on April 30, 2015 (Xinhua/Liu Ailun).

(KPL/Xinhua) On 30 April, the Lao government conferred to the Chinese government a First Class Medal of Development for its contribution to Laos' infrastructure construction.

The medal was presented by the Minister of Public Works and Transport Bounchan Sinthavong to the Chinese Ambassador to Laos Guan Huabin in Vientiane Capital.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Bounchan Sinthavong, on behalf of the Lao government and people, expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their continuous support to the Lao PDR.

Mr. Bounchan Sinthavong expressed his appreciation specifically for China’s support to Laos for the construction of the Huay Xai-Chiang Khong Bridge connecting Laos and Thailand in 2013. The project was funded by China's non-refundable aid of almost US$25 million.

Mr. Guan Huabin, for his part, said China has always supported Laos’ socio-economic development, adding that the medal represents the profound traditional friendship between China and Laos.

The Huay Xai-Chiang Khong Bridge serves as the final link in the 1,750-km Kunming-Bangkok highway, which will facilitate traveling between China, Laos and Thailand and also accelerate regional connectivity, Guan said.

Laos' dream of turning itself from a land-locked country into a land-linked one goes well with China's "Belt and Road" initiatives, namely the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, Guan said.

“China will join hands with Laos to promote its initiatives, offering new opportunities to further deepen the multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries,” the Ambassador added.

KPL