Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke of the close bilateral ties between China and Laos during his meeting with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith in Beijing on Friday.

Thongloun is paying a state visit to China from Tuesday to Saturday. Xi, also general secretary of Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed his appreciation for the Laotian leader making China the destination of his first state visit since his re-election as president of Laos.

"You choose China as your first foreign visit destination after your re-election, and bring with you such a large and important delegation. This reflects the great importance you attach to developing Laos-China relations. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos, as well as the 'China-Laos Friendship Year'. Since the beginning of this year, we have maintained close communication through exchanges of letters and special envoys," Xi said.

"I am confident that under the leadership of the new Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party headed by you, Laos will successfully accomplish the goals and tasks set forth at the 12th LPRP National Congress," he said.