Premier Li Keqiang held talks on Sept 1 with Lao President Choummaly Sayasone who is in Beijing to attend activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World War II.

Li said China and Laos share a deep traditional friendship, similar development path and common interests. China is willing to work with Laos to further push forward bilateral ties and pragmatic cooperation by promoting infrastructure construction in railways and highways, boosting capacity cooperation in agriculture and making efforts towards stability in border regions.

The Premier also said ASEAN is the priority of China’s neighboring diplomacy, and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-ASEAN dialog falls next year, when Laos will be the rotating host country of the organization. China is ready to advance China-ASEAN ties by enhancing interaction and coordination, seeking common interests and promoting regional cooperation with ASEAN countries.

Speaking highly of the all-round strategic partnership of cooperation between Laos and China, Choummaly said Laos is willing to advance major projects such as railways, and tap more potentials in cooperation. He also expressed his appreciation for China’s support to the development of ASEAN, saying that Laos would spare no efforts in encouraging ASEAN-China ties.