(KPL) Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism (ICT), Ms. Suansavan Viyaketh, received here in Vientiane on Aug 1, 2024, a courtesy call from new Ambassador of China to the Lao PDR, Ms. Fang Hong.

During their amicable talks, Minister Viyaketh expressed her pleasure in welcoming and congratulating Ms. Fang Hong on her appointment as the new Ambassador of China to Laos. She noted that this appointment reflects the trust and confidence of the Party, government, and people of China in having Ms. Fang Hong take on the diplomatic mission in Laos to further enhance the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Both sides highly valued the long-standing friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Laos and China, which continues to strengthen and expand in both breadth and depth.

They exchanged views on promoting cooperation between the two Parties and governments, particularly in the fields of information, culture, and tourism.

Additionally, they agreed to implement the agreements reached by senior leaders of both nations, especially the Action Plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future (2024-2028), to bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Minister Viyaketh highlighted that 2024 is designated as Visit Laos Year. The Lao government has exempted visas for Chinese tourists, as well as for those from Hong Kong and Macau holding ordinary passports, and for Chinese tourists holding Taiwan passports traveling in organized tours. This policy allows them to stay in Laos for 15 days, provided they use the services of registered tour companies, either in Laos or China.

The policy aims to attract more Chinese investments, particularly in the fields of information, culture, and tourism.

On behalf of the Lao Party, government, and people, Minister Viyaketh expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the valuable assistance provided by the Chinese Party, government, and people throughout the years.

Ms. Fang Hong also expressed her gratitude for the warm reception from the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

She informed the host about the outcomes of the 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which focused on comprehensive reforms and advancing China into a new era.

She emphasized the importance of this event in strengthening Lao-Chinese cooperation and reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Laos to further promote the Laos-China longstanding friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership based on the four-good principle, ensuring it continues to flourish.

KPL