Vientiane, May 9 (AseanAll) — On 8 May 2026, Shi Zhongjun, Secretary General of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), met with Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, in Vientiane, Laos.
Anouparb Vongnorkeo extended a warm welcome to Secretary General Shi Zhongjun and his delegation, and congratulated the successful opening of the “Youth Dream — China-Laos Youth Badminton Training Camp.” He pointed out that 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic relations and the “Laos-China Friendship Year.” The Lao side stands ready to work hand in hand with the ACC to continuously enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, expand trade and investment cooperation, and further consolidate the foundation of bilateral friendship.
Shi Zhongjun expressed his appreciation to the Lao side for its thoughtful and meticulous arrangements, noting that this year is of great significance for Laos-China relations, witnessed by frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries. This year also coincides with the 5th anniversary of ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the ACC. Faced with multiple complex global challenges in politics, economy, security and other dimensions, ASEAN Member States and China should further build consensus and respond in a coordinated manner, in particular by deepening cooperation in key areas including the stability and unimpeded flow of industrial and supply chains, sustainable energy development and TVET.
Shi Zhongjun introduced the ACC’s key work plan for this year, stressing that the ACC will continue to focus on the core tasks of implementing the consensus reached by the leaders of both sides and promoting the alignment of development strategies. The ACC will carefully design more practical and result-oriented projects to deepen the ASEAN-China CSP, expand agricultural cooperation, strengthen cooperation in emerging industries and enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges. In particular, the ACC will organize a visit to highlight the landmark and exemplary role of the China-Laos Railway, give full play to its role as a bridge and bond, and assist Chinese government departments, provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in expanding cooperation with ASEAN countries. The ACC maintains close communication with the Lao side. We thanked the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Lao Embassy in China for their strong support, and welcomed the Lao side to participate in various activities of the ACC to jointly inject strong impetus into the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future.
Anouparb Vongnorkeo shared his experience of recent tours and exchanges in Yunnan, Sichuan and other places of China, saying that the Laos and China have become increasingly closely connected in all fields, and China has achieved remarkable high-quality development outcomes in EVs, modern agriculture, infrastructure construction and other sectors. The work of the ACC is of great significance. The Lao side looks forward to further strengthening exchanges with the ACC, continuously unlocking the comprehensive benefits of the China-Laos Railway, contributing to the upgrade of regional connectivity, increasing two-way cultural and tourism exchanges, and expanding practical cooperation.
