VIENTIANE, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- China's Beijing has sponsored 11 minibuses for the Lao capital of Vientiane which will be used during the fourth ASEAN Mayors Forum to be held here later this year.
Speaking at a handover ceremony here on Monday, Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, member of the Politburo of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Vientiane Mayor, spoke highly of the assistance.
The support reflects the friendship between Vientiane and Beijing, and will make contributions to the organization of the forum in Vientiane, Sinlavong said, adding that it reflects the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Laos and China.
Chinese Ambassador to Laos Guan Huabing, for his part, said China and Laos are good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners, and friendship between the peoples of the two countries and exchanges between localities have been enjoying development.
After setting the status of friendly cities, the relations between Beijing and Vientiane have been strengthened, Guan said.
The ambassador also noted that China highly appreciates the successful organization of a series of ASEAN and East Asia leaders' meetings by Laos as rotating ASEAN chair, which has contributed to promoting regional cooperation and development.
