A Visit to Laos by CLFA Delegation

China and Laos are joined by common mountains and rivers and there exists a profound traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties on April 25， 1961， the two countries have enjoyed steady development in relations and strengthened political mutual trust.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary， Wu Tao， President of the Chinese- Lao Friendship Association (CLFA)， headed a CLFA delegation， a medical team and a youth martial art delegation to Laos for a goodwill visit from November 23 to 27， 2011. The 47-strong party was invited by the Lao-Chinese Friendship Association (LCFA) and was received by Bounpone Bouttanavong， a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (CCLPRP). Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune， LCFA President and Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office， attended relevant celebration activities.

Traditional Friendship Praised

Bounpone Bouttanavong said that， as close neighbors， Laos and China had witnessed smooth growth in bilateral relations with great achievements in their cooperation in various fields over five decades. The Lao Party and Government was most thankful for Chinese Government support and assistance， especially the firm support to the Lao people in their struggle for national liberation and in the period of renovation and opening up. The bilateral relationship had been raised to the level of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2009 and the successful visit to China by Lao President Choummaly Sayasone last September had opened a new historical period in relations.

Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune emphasized on several occasions that the Lao and the Chinese people were like brothers and that over the past 50 years they had treated each other sincerely and made concerted efforts to remain as good neighbors， friends， comrades and partners on basis of the principle of long-term stability， good neighborliness， mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation. The rise of China’s economy had contributed greatly to the development of Laos and the Asian region as well.

The year 2011 was an uncommon year in the development of China- Laos friendly relations， said Wu Tao. The friendship between the two countries had stood the test of half a century and become mature. The two countries enjoyed political mutual trust and sincere economic cooperation， and close coordination in international and regional affairs， making continuous and active efforts to safeguard peace and solidarity in the world and in the Asian region. With the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership， the mutually beneficial cooperation and close contacts would enter a new stage.

He stressed: “The Chinese people will always remember that our two peoples helped and supported each other， sharing trials and tribulations. They treat the Lao people as their dear brothers and good friends from the bottom of their hearts. Though China is a developing country with limited ability， it will as always provide assistance for the economic development and the improvement of people’s livelihood of Laos to the best of its ability.”

Cataract Surgery Conveying Love

The “China-Laos Friendship Bringing Light Tour” was one of the important activities celebrating the 50th anniversary. The medical team from the Beijing Tongren Hospital successfully performed operations on nearly 80 cataract patients. The high medical ethics and excellent skills of the Chinese oculists were highly praised by all.

CLFA President Wu Tao， on behalf of the CPAFFC and the CLFA， presented an A-mode ultrasonography to the Lao Ophthalmology Hospital. He said: “The friendship between states， in the final analysis， is the friendship between the peoples， whose understanding and affection for each other are very important to bilateral relations. We organize activities such as ‘Bringing Light Tour’ with the aim of providing a platform for our two peoples to increase friendly feelings. They are gifts for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.” LCFA Vice President Khemmani Pholsena said， the tour had great significance. It was not only one of the highlights of the anniversary celebrations， but has also brought benefit to ordinary people who were deeply touched by the friendship of the Chinese people. A 75-year-old patient told a Chinese medical staff member: “I was very excited when I learned that the best Chinese eye doctors would come to Laos to perform cataract surgery. I came to Vientiane from southern Laos accompanied by my family. I have never thought that I could see light again at such an old age. We will forever remember that it is Chinese doctors who have cured our eyes.”

Promoting Cultural and Sports Exchanges

An exhibition on China-Laos friendship was opened in Vientiane on November 24. On display were excellent works in praise of friendship and peace created by nine Chinese painters. It drew many art lovers of the two countries.

In the evening， 120 personages of the two countries attended the “China-Laos Friendship Evening” reception. It proceeded in a friendly atmosphere of Chinese and Lao people being one family and the series of celebration activities reached its climax. The Chinese youth martial art delegation and the Lao national martial art troupe put on a joint performance， a good opportunity for them to exchange skills and increase understanding and friendship.