On the afternoon of November 4, 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao left Beijing for Vientiane, Laos to attend the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting and pay an official visit to Laos.

Wen's entourage included Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, Director of Research Office of the State Council Xie Fuzhan, Vice Secretary-General of State Council & Director of the Premier's Office Xiang Zhaolun, Deputy Secretary General of the State Council Jiang Xiaojuan and Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.