Chinese general meets Laotian president, praises military ties

General He Weidong, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, met with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane, Laos, on Tuesday, China's Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

He said that, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of their countries, as well as of the leaders of the Communist Party of China and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the relationship between their militaries has continued to develop.

China is willing to deepen exchanges at all levels with Laos, enhance the quality and effectiveness of joint exercises, strengthen border defense communication and promote the development of their military relations to a higher level, jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, the senior official said.

Thongloun, who is also general-secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, expressed gratitude to China for its strong support of the Lao party, government and military over the years.

He said that Laos has supported and benefited from its membership in the Belt and Road Initiative with projects such as the China-Laos Railway, which has injected significant impetus into Laos' socioeconomic development.

Facing the complex and changing international and regional situation, Thongloun expressed hope that the two militaries will continue to strengthen their communication and coordination, continually deepening pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

On the same day, General He also held talks Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Chansamone Chanyalath. The two exchanged views on the military relationship between their two countries as well as the international and regional situation.