Vientiane, Laos - October 09, 2024

China firmly supports the building of the Community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as ASEAN's central position in regional cooperation and its greater role in international affairs, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday.

China is ready to have in-depth exchange of views with all parties on major regional cooperation issues and contribute to joint efforts in making the region an important engine for global development, he noted.

Li made the statement in a written statement released upon his arrival at the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos, where he was received by Lao Minister of Planning and Investment and Chairman of the Lao-China Cooperation Committee Office Phet Phomphiphak, and Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong.

Li arrived in Vientiane to attend leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation, and pay an official visit to Laos at the invitation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, which currently holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN.

Li pointed out that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, China and Laos have continued to deepen and consolidate their comprehensive strategic cooperation, and the bilateral relations have entered a new era of building a community with a shared future.

China is ready to work with Laos to further synergize their development strategies, strengthen solidarity and coordination, and push for more substantive progress in building a China-Laos community with a shared future, so as to better benefit the two peoples, he added.

During his stay, Li is also scheduled to attend the 27th China-ASEAN Summit, the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit to be held from Oct 9 to 12.

Shotlist:
Vientiane, Laos - Oct 9, 2024:
1. Flags at airport;
2. Plane taxiing;
3. Officials waving to welcome Chinese Premier Li Qiang;
4. Various of Li shaking hands with officials, receiving bouquet, guard of honor, flags;
5. Various of Chinese officials getting off plane, guard of honor;
6. Various of Li walking on red carpet, shaking hands with officials;
7. Li's motorcade leaving airport;
8. Various of city view, traffic, flags.

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