Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addresses a welcome banquet held by Bounnhang Vorachit, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and president of Laos, in Vientiane, Laos, Nov. 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

　　VIENTIANE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Laos will deepen the traditional friendship of the two countries, and promote their comprehensive strategic cooperation, said Bounnhang Vorachit, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and president of Laos.

　　Bounnhang made the remarks in his speech at a welcome banquet for Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

　　He said the LPRP congratulates sincerely on the important achievements of the 19th CPC National Congress, adding that he also believes the Chinese people will accomplish the strategic "two centennial" goals under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core.

　　In his remarks, Xi said he is sincerely delighted to see that Laos has achieved new progress in spurring economic development, maintaining social stability and promoting efficient governance and harmony among its people since his last visit to the country seven years ago.

　　Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 56 years ago, the two neighbors, which are connected with mountains and rivers, have enjoyed a great friendship and fruitful cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, said Xi.

　　China is willing to join Laos to promote friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, push the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation to new heights and build the China-Laos community of shared future with strategic importance, he added.

　　Before the banquet, Xi also met with some Lao representatives who used to study in China. The Chinese leader hailed their contributions to the development of the two countries' friendly ties, encouraging the young people to carry forward the long-lasting friendship between the two sides.