Leaders of China, Laos discuss deadly bus accident

President Xi Jinping told his Laotian counterpart, Bounnhang Vorachit, that he hopes officials in both China and Laos will continue to work closely in appropriately treating the wounded and dealing with the aftermath of a serious bus accident that happened in the Southeast Asian nation on Monday.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remark in a message sent to the Laotian leader, who is also general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.

A tour bus carrying 44 Chinese tourists, mostly senior citizens, skidded off a road in northern Laos, leaving 13 dead and 31 injured.

Bounnhang said in a message to Xi that he was shocked to learn about the accident and the heavy casualties.

He extended heartfelt sympathy to Xi and through Xi to the families of the deceased and to the injured and their families.

Laos will continue to work closely with China and make all-out efforts to treat the injured and deal with the relief work, he added.

Xi said Laotian authorities quickly mobilized resources to carry out rescue work after the accident, which showed the country's high regard for bilateral ties.

Xi said he has instructed relevant departments in China and the People's Liberation Army medical personnel who are in Laos taking part in a joint rescue exercise to participate in rescue efforts.

Serving the people is the common purpose of the CPC and the LPRP, Xi said, and he is willing to work with Bounnhang to promote the development of relations between the parties and countries and continue to build the China-Laos community with a shared future.