Chinese President Xi Jinping called for 'model Belt and Road cooperation' with Laos during talks with Lao leader Thongloun Sisoulith ahead of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The leaders spotlighted progress on the China-Laos Railway, a key BRI project connecting Southeast Asia, and vowed to accelerate economic corridor development 🛤️.
'Our bond isn’t just steel tracks – it’s socialist brotherhood,' Xi said, emphasizing how the neighbors have prioritized trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges since their 2023 cooperation pact. Laos praised BRI investments that boosted its economy: 'Our partnership has never been stronger,' Thongloun stated.
With both nations eyeing modernization goals, Xi pledged to:
📈 Expand agricultural imports from Laos
🎓 Boost education & youth programs
🤝 Support Laos' growing role in BRICS & ASEAN
The meeting also saw Laos reaffirm its one-China policy, backing Beijing's positions on issues related to Taiwan and other regions. As BRICS gains momentum, both leaders agreed to champion Global South interests in multilateral forums 🌐.
