On the afternoon of July 14, 2016 local time, Premier Li Keqiang met at the hotel where he stayed in Ulaanbaatar with Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos.

Li Keqiang expressed that China and Laos are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. The traditional friendship between the two countries remains unshakable and becomes even firmer as time goes by. China is ready to, together with Laos, stand at a new starting point marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, conduct closer high-level exchanges, continuously adhere to mutual support, deepen practical cooperation in various areas and strengthen coordination and collaboration in international and regional affairs, so as to further enrich the connotation of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. It is hoped that the two sides can make joint efforts to actively propel the comprehensive construction of China-Laos railway project, strengthen cooperation in production capacity and investment, and yield new cooperation results in building demonstrative projects in such areas as infrastructure, electric power and energy.

Li Keqiang pointed out that China appreciates the efforts made by Laos, which holds the rotating presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, in boosting the development of the ASEAN, safeguarding regional peace and promoting regional cooperation. China is willing to work with Laos to jointly push forward practical cooperation within the China-ASEAN framework and others, so as to make positive contributions to the welfare of the people in both countries and in this region.

Thongloun Sisoulith expressed that Laos-China relations enjoy a sound development. Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has been constantly deepened and cooperation in large-scale projects enjoys steady progress. Both countries maintain sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. Laos is willing to further intensify high-level exchanges with China, enhance the docking of development strategies and strive for the comprehensive implementation of Laos-China railway projects within this year. Laos is willing to join hands with all parties to make activities marking the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations a success, and promote the development of ASEAN-China relations.

Li Keqiang expounded China's principles and stance on the South China Sea arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines. Thongloun Sisoulith expressed that Laos supports China's stance and is willing to work with the Chinese side to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea region.