Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Saysomphone Phomvihane, president of the Lao National Assembly (NA) via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING -- China on Friday vowed to promote bilateral relations with Laos and jointly advance the socialist endeavor of the two countries.

This came as top legislator Li Zhanshu met Saysomphone Phomvihane, president of the Lao National Assembly (NA) via video link.

Noting China and Laos are friendly neighbors bound by same mountains and rivers, Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said the two countries' leaders have recently reached new consensus on building a community with a shared future between China and Laos.

As this year marks the 60th anniversary of China-Laos ties, Li said China is willing to work with Laos to further deepen strategic communication, enhance mutual political support, drive the Belt and Road Initiative, and enhance cooperation on COVID-19 response to continuously upgrade traditional friendship between the two sides.

Li also said China and Laos can strengthen theoretical exchanges and jointly draw wisdom and strength from history to advance ties between the two countries and two parties as well as the socialist endeavor.

Li said the NPC is willing to enhance cooperation with the Lao NA to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and agreements on bilateral cooperation.

He also urged keeping momentum of high-level exchanges via flexible means, communications on governance, legislation, supervision, development planning, among others, to improve legal support and institutional guarantee for promoting pragmatic cooperation.

Saysomphone thanked China for the significant assistance offered in COVID-19 response and the economic and social development in Laos, and expressed the willingness to enhance communication with the NPC to contribute to building a community with a shared future between Laos and China.

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Saysomphone Phomvihane, president of the Lao National Assembly (NA) via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2021. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)