Backgrounder: Development of sino-Laoian ties

Source: CCTV.com | 11-20-2006 08:52

China and Laos are neighbors with shared borderlands of mountains, lakes and rivers, whose people have lived together peacefully for centuries. China and Laos established diplomatic relations on April 25th, 1961. And these ties have become even closer in recent years.

The two countries have witnessed a comprehensive development of relations over the past decade. And there were frequent visits by leaders of both countries.

President Jiang Zemin visited Laos in November 2000. It was a milestone in the development of bilateral relations -- it was the first official visit to Laos by a Chinese president. During the visit, the two sides signed a joint statement on bilateral cooperation, confirming their commitment to developing cooperation. And in 2004, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Laos, while attending the 8th ASEAN - China, Japan and ROK summit, and the 6th China, Japan and ROK summit.

Laotian leaders, including former Presidents Kayson Phonvihane and Nouhak Phoumsavanh, have visited China on a number of occasions. The newly elected Laotian President Choummaly Sayasone visited China after his inauguration in June. During a meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Choummaly, they vowed to raise their friendly, cooperative ties to a new level.

Bilateral economic and trade relations have also developed soundly. There have been agreements on cooperation in trade, investment protection, tourism and automobile transport. And a committee on economic, trade and technological cooperation was set up between the two sides in 1997. Sino-Laotian trade volume reached 129 million US dollars in 2005, an increase of more than 13 percent over the previous year.

China and Laos have experienced cooperation in areas including the military, culture, education, and health.

Editor:Wang Ping