On January 20, 2023, Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, Met Phoukhong Sisoulath, Laos Ambassador to Belgium and the EU. They exchanged views of shared interest in an amicable and friendly atmosphere.

Ambassador Fu said that a message from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is the continuity and stability of China’s internal and external policies. Externally, China will continue its friendly ties with neighboring countries for common development, contributing to a global community with a shared future. China and Laos are friendly neighbors bound together by mountains and rivers. The talks between President Xi Jinping and Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos last November in Beijing charted the course and provided strong strategic guidance for an in-depth, substantial, long-term and stable China-Laos community with a shared future. China is committed to developing relations with ASEAN countries, including Lao, and making positive contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity. China appreciates the commitment of ASEAN countries to the One-China principle. Meanwhile, China strongly opposes any forces outside the region to stir up troubles in the Asia-Pacific, raise tensions, and force other countries to take sides. Ambassador Fu hopes to maintain exchanges and communication on issues of shared interest and implement the China-Laos comprehensive strategic partnership.

Ambassador Sisoulath congratulated Ambassador Fu for assuming the new role and extended his Chinese Lunar New Year greetings. Noting the two countries are good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, he expressed his gratitude for China’s efforts to provide long-term, valuable support for Laos’ economic and social development, and to assist Laos in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambassador Sisoulath also conveyed Laos’ appreciation of the opening of China-Laos Railway, which has boosted its tourism and economy. He stands ready to maintain close communication with the Chinese Mission in Brussels to deepen and expand friendly cooperation between the two countries.