(KPL) The event was attended by senior Lao officials, including General Vilay Lakhamphong, Politburo Member and Permanent Member of the Secretariat of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee; Mr. Phet Phomphiphak, Politburo Member, Member of the Secretariat of the LPRP Central Committee and Head of the LPRP Central Committee Office; General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Politburo Member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence; Mrs. Sounthone Xayachack, Member of the Secretariat of the LPRP Central Committee and Acting President of the National Assembly; and Lieutenant General Vanthong Kongmany, Member of the Secretariat of the LPRP Central Committee and Minister of Public Security.

Former senior Lao leaders, foreign ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps and other Lao and international guests also attended.

In her remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong highlighted China’s development over the past 77 years and its continued opening-up and cooperation with other countries. She noted that 2026 also marks the 65th anniversary of China-Laos diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Laos Friendship. The two countries established diplomatic relations on April 25, 1961.

Ambassador Fang also highlighted practical cooperation between the two countries, including the China-Laos Railway, agricultural and poverty-reduction initiatives, healthcare cooperation and the China-Laos 500-kilovolt power interconnection project.

She noted that the China-Laos Railway has strengthened connectivity and created employment opportunities, while agricultural cooperation has introduced improved cultivation techniques to rural communities. The “Brightness Action” medical programme has provided cataract treatment to Lao patients, while cooperation in the power sector has expanded electricity exchange capacity.

The ambassador also highlighted cooperation between Laos and China through multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, ASEAN-China and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation. Laos joined the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) as a founding member in July 2026.

China and Laos have continued to strengthen bilateral relations in 2026, with the two sides marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties and implementing the Year of China-Laos Friendship. During General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith’s state visit to China in June, the two sides agreed to further advance the building of an all-weather China-Laos community with a shared future in the new era and deepen cooperation in areas including connectivity, trade, energy, digital development and people’s livelihoods.

The banquet concluded with participants expressing wishes for continued friendship and cooperation between Laos and China and prosperity for both countries.

KPL