President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed his hope for broader prospects of China-Laos mutually beneficial cooperation, in a message on Monday congratulating Thongloun Sisoulith on his reelection as president of Laos.

In the message, Xi noted that China and Laos are friendly socialist neighboring countries with a shared future, and the two sides have always supported each other with sincerity and mutual assistance.

The two countries have firmly supported each other on issues involving their core interests and major concerns, reflecting their profound friendship as "comrades plus brothers", he said.

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This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Laos diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Laos Friendship, during which both sides will hold a series of celebrations, Xi said, adding that this will inject new momentum into advancing the friendship between the two peoples.

Noting that this year also marks the inaugural year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and Laos' 10th five-year socioeconomic development plan, Xi said that both countries are at a critical stage of development and revitalization, and their mutually beneficial cooperation is expected to embrace broader prospects.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of relations between the CPC and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, as well as the ties between the two countries.

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Xi said he is ready to work with Thongloun, who is also general secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, to chart a new blueprint for comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries and advance the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future to a higher level, in order to better benefit the two peoples and contribute more to regional peace and development.

Also on Monday, Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Sonexay Siphandone on his reelection as prime minister of Laos.

Contact the writers at zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn