On November 13, Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article entitled “China and Laos: Working Together for a Community of Shared Future with Strategic Significance” on mainstream Lao media The Pasaxon (The People), Pathet Lao and Vientiane Times ahead of his state visit to Laos.

 

In the article, Xi pointed out, “China-Laos people-to-people and cultural exchanges have become more dynamic. 400,000 Chinese tourists traveled to Laos in the first half of the year. More and more people from Laos are traveling to China for business or as tourists. The number of Lao students studying in China under Chinese government scholarship tops all ASEAN countries.” “We need to increase people-to-people exchange and build a community of shared future featuring mutual learning. We should strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, science and technology and youth and subnational interactions to take China-Laos friendship from generation to generation. We welcome more Lao people to China to study, tour or work and to serve as envoys for the traditional friendship between our two countries. China will support Laos in hosting the 2018 Tourism Year, encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Laos and experience the unique charm of Lao history and culture.”

 

Xi also shared his personal feelings about the country: “I visited Laos twice, and was deeply impressed by its hospitable people, the golden Pha That Luang, and the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River. I look forward to renewing friendship and working with old and new friends in Laos to map out plans and open a bright new future for China-Laos relations.” “I am convinced that as long as our two countries trust each other and work together, we will create an even better future for our bilateral relations.”