China plays steering role in seeking global cooperation as G20 presidency, says Lao president

VIENTIANE - The upcoming G20 summit is a platform for China to play a steering role in seeking global cooperation, addressing international financial and economic issues, and supporting less-developed countries, Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit said on Thursday.

In an interview with the Chinese media, Bounnhang, who is also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, said China's G20 presidency reflects the positive view of the Chinese party and government in international cooperation, adding that Laos appreciates China's leading role.

The upcoming Group of Twenty (G20) summit to be held in China's Hangzhou will discuss international economic and financial measures, which will directly affect the economic development of many countries, including Laos, he told Chinese reporters.

Laos hopes that the initiatives and plans to be discussed and adopted at the upcoming summit, including the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and industrialization development plans for Africa and less-developed countries, will be well implemented for the benefits of developing and less-developed countries.

Bounnhang said he was pleased and honored to be invited to attend the G20 summit in China.

"G20 summit is a mechanism to consult and put forward measures to address regional and international economic issues, as well as promote economic development of developing countries," he said.

"The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) attaches great importance to boosting close cooperation and common development among G20 members, including China," he said.

Laos is currently holding the rotating ASEAN chairmanship this year.

"Laos believes that with the efforts of the Chinese government and people as well as cooperation of participants, the G20 summit will achieve the expected results," he told the Chinese reporters.

Talking about the Laos-China relations, Bounhang said 2016 is an important year for the two countries as the two sides are organizing a series of activities to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

"Bilateral relations between Laos and China have been growing stronger while cooperation in various fields has been continuously deepened," he said.

"Strengthening Laos-China relations is in line with the building of community of common destiny between the two parties and governments. This is also an important part of peace, stability and development in the world," Bounhang said.