On September 20, 2011, Vice President Xi Jinping, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met at the Great Hall of the People with Choummaly Saygnasone, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao President, who is here in China for an official goodwill visit.

Xi said that since China and Laos established diplomatic relations 50 years ago, both sides have maintained political mutual trust, sincere economic cooperation, mutual support and close coordination on international and regional affairs. In the new century, especially since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2009, bilateral relations at the new starting point have been further developed in wide-ranging areas. Both sides are truly good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners. China is ready to work with Laos to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation on economy and trade, mining, hydropower, agriculture, infrastructure and other areas and enhance exchanges between the two parties. Xi also urged both sides to keep close cooperation in regional and international affairs and continuously consolidate and deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Xi spoke highly of the new developments Laos has made in its cause of socialist construction and reform. He wished the Lao people would make new breakthrough in emancipation of the mind, human resource development, institutional building and poverty reduction under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party with Choummaly as General Secretary. He stressed that the CPC is willing to work with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to strengthen the exchange of experience in state governance, increase cadre exchange, hold theory seminars and make greater contributions to promoting the national development of the two countries and deepening the good-neighborly friendship.

Choummaly said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He said the purpose of his visit is to exchange in-depth views with the Chinese side on the relations between the two parties and countries as well as issues of common concern to push forward the further development of the ties. Choummaly said he had held fruitful talks and reached broad consensus with Hu Jintao, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President. The two sides should continue to promote cooperation in various fields and boost economic and social development of the two countries. The Chinese people under the leadership of the CPC have made enormous achievements, which greatly encourage Laos to move towards the goal of socialism. Choummaly expressed sincere appreciation for China's support in all aspects and hoped the relations between the two parties and countries will further develop.

Wang Jiarui, Minister of International Department of CPC Central Committee, Shen Yueyue, Executive Vice Director of Organization Department of the Central Committee of the CPC, Executive Vice President Li Jingtian of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and other officials attended the meeting.