Full coverage: China’s Leaders

China and Laos will promote smooth implementation of bilateral cooperation projects, such as the China-Laos railway project. The remark comes after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit, who is in Beijing for a three-day visit.

Premier Li said the region has abundant opportunities for development, as this year is the first year after the establishments of the ASEAN Economic Community and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism. China is ready to work with Laos and other ASEAN countries to jointly promote cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit, who is in Beijing for a three-day visit.

Vorachit, who just took office in less than two weeks, welcomed Premier Li's visit to Laos this year, and to attend the East Asia Cooperation leaders' meeting there. Vorachit also met with other senior CPC officials during the trip. And he laid a wreath to the People's Heroes Monument.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed President Vorachit. President Xi said China was ready to work with the Lao new leadership. He called on efforts to boost cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative, and turn Laos from a land-locked into a land-linked country.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Chinese investments in the Southeast Asian country are rising in areas of infrastructure, hydropower, and special economic zones.