On 5 August 2016, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), paid courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Minister to Prime Minister’s Office and ASEAN SOM leader of Lao PDR, exchanging views on Laos-China and ASEAN-China functional cooperation.
Secretary-General Yang Xiuping highly appraised the fruitful achievements of Laos-China and ASEAN-China cooperation, appreciated the important contributions by Minister Alounkeo and the Lao Government to promote Laos-China and ASEAN-China relations, and thanked the Lao side for the great support rendered to ACC. She introduced ACC’s recent work, saying that this year marks the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations, and ASEAN-China Educational Exchange Year, which was of special significance. Since the beginning of this year, ACC had organized about 90 activities, including trade and investment promotion trips to ASEAN, active participation in the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, hosting ASEAN-China Week, Youth Summer Camp, Youth Football Friendly Match and so on, achieving good results. She congratulated the Lao team winning the champion of Youth Football Friendly Match, and pledged ACC’s readiness to continuously work closely with Laos to promote functional cooperation in all areas, and make new contributions to Laos-China, ASEAN-China relations, and enhance people-to-people connectivity.
Minister Alounkeo extended a warm welcome to Secretary-General Yang for visiting Laos, and appreciated ACC’s abundant work to enhance both bilateral and ASEAN-China friendly exchanges and cooperation. He expected ACC to continue the good work and make even greater achievements in future. He said that China was Laos’ closest friend, and the Lao Government attached great importance to developing Laos-China relations. Laos would fulfill its role as the ASEAN Chair, and by working closely with all parties, make the Commemorative Summit in September a success, so as to promote the deepened development of ASEAN-China relations.