Hanoi (VNA) - China and Laos have enjoyed sound cooperation🅺 over the past five decades of diplomatic relations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during talks with his visiting Lao counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith on August 3.

Wang Yi said that China wants to work with Laos to realise common goals and prepare for meetings between high-ranking leaders during the G20 Summit scheduled for Hangzhou in September. This will help the two countries find out areas of common ground in development strategies and elevate relations. At a press conference after the talks, the two foreign ministers affirmed that 2016, which marks the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations, is a significant milestone in Laos-China relations. Southeast Asian nations, including Laos, will cooperate with China to hold a summit to celebrate the anniversary, issue a joint statement and adopt a five-year plan for ASEAN-China education exchange. China recommended making 2017 ASEAN-China Tourism Cooperation year and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. One day earlier, Saleumxay Kommasith met with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi, during which he affirmed that Laos treasures relations with China and wants to boost bilateral relations. Yang Jiechi expressed his hope that the two sides will deepen their partnership while pledging to support Laos in its role as Chair of the ASEAN in 2016. The Lao foreign minister made his official visit to China from August 2-4 at the invitation of Wang Yi.-VNA