(KPL)  At the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane, along with his spouse and delegation, paid an official visit to China from March 12 to 15, 2025.

The visit aimed to further strengthen the long-standing friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership between Laos and China under the "4D" building of a Laos- China and China-Laos community with a shared future. Both sides committed to advancing their high-quality cooperation to a higher level, ensuring sustainable benefits for their peoples.

On March 13, Minister Thongsavanh held bilateral talks with Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, accompanied by delegations from both countries. Wang Yi warmly welcomed his Lao counterpart and praised the visit as a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of implementing the "Master Plan on the building of a Laos- China and China-Laos community with a shared future (2024-2028)," which was signed by top leaders of both nations at the end of 2023.

Minister Thongsavanh expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and congratulated China on the successful conclusion of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (March 4–11, 2025). He highlighted the significance of his visit, the first since assuming his role as Laos' Foreign Minister.

Both sides acknowledged past achievements in various sectors, particularly the regular high-level exchanges between central and local leaders. They praised the progress made under the building of a Laos- China and China-Laos community with a shared future Master Plan (2024-2028) and pledged to accelerate its implementation for even greater success.

Economic cooperation, trade, and investment continue to flourish, with China remaining the largest foreign investor in Laos. The two ministers underscored the transformative role of the Lao-China Railway, which has significantly boosted trade, investment, and travel between the two countries.

Looking ahead, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in emerging sectors while prioritizing the development of projects around the Lao-China Railway to drive economic growth with "new quality." They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Following the bilateral talks, the two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on global security cooperation, reinforcing their commitment to peace and stability.

Minister Thongsavanh also expressed Laos’ appreciation for China’s support during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. He extended an invitation for Wang Yi to visit Laos at a convenient time, which Wang Yi gladly accepted.

During his stay, Minister Thongsavanh also met with Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister of China.

Additionally, he and his delegation toured leading Chinese institutions, including MEGVII Artificial Intelligence Development Company, the Unmanned Vehicle Experiment Center, and the Beijing Museum, highlighting Laos' interest in cutting-edge technology and innovation.

KPL