On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the presidents of China and Laos exchanged warm congratulations to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, underscoring a partnership built on shared socialist ideals and a vision for a common future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, highlighted the enduring strength of their "comradely and brotherly" bond in their messages. This bond, personally forged by the older generation of leaders, has grown ever stronger over the decades, they noted.
President Xi emphasized that as socialist neighbors in a community with a shared future, China and Laos are united by identical social systems and similar development paths. He pointed out that currently, the two sides are accelerating efforts to build a high-standard, high-quality, and high-level China-Laos community with a shared future. Exchanges at all levels have become closer, and cooperation across various fields continues to deepen, providing valuable stability and certainty to the region and the world.
The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have always viewed China-Laos ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, regarding Laos as a priority in China's neighborhood diplomacy, Xi added. He expressed willingness to work with President Thongloun to leverage the 65th anniversary and the Year of China-Laos Friendship as opportunities to enhance strategic mutual trust, carry forward traditional friendship, and push for more outcomes in practical cooperation.
For his part, President Thongloun acknowledged the fruitful outcomes in building the Laos-China community with a shared future over the past 65 years. He expressed gratitude for the long-standing valuable support and assistance provided by the CPC, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people. Thongloun reaffirmed Laos's commitment to the one-China principle and support for China in safeguarding its core interests, pledging to work with China to follow through on a new five-year action plan for their shared future.
Also on Saturday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone exchanged congratulations, reinforcing the commitment at the governmental level. Premier Li stressed the importance of following the strategic consensus reached by the top leaders, guiding ministries and localities to strengthen coordination, expand collaboration, and foster new drivers of growth. Prime Minister Sonexay echoed this sentiment, stating that Laos stands ready to ensure the success of events marking the anniversary and the Year of Friendship, delivering more tangible benefits to both peoples.
This high-level exchange comes at a time when Asia's geopolitical landscape is evolving, and such reaffirmations of bilateral ties serve as a testament to the enduring partnerships that shape the region's stability and prosperity.
Reference(s):
China, Laos presidents exchange messages on 65th anniversary of ties
cgtn.com
