Premier Li Keqiang highlighted on Friday the importance for China and Laos to facilitate the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as early as possible and jointly safeguard the security and stability of regional industrial and supply chains.

Speaking during a phone conversation with Phankham Viphavanh, the new prime minister of Laos, Li called upon both sides to promote the upgrading of relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, uphold free trade and enhance the well-being of their peoples.

Li said this year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of a dialogue relationship between China and ASEAN.

As friendly neighbors sharing common mountains and waters, China and Laos have established a long-term friendship, with the good will between the two peoples standing the test of time and continuing to flourish, he said, adding that China has always taken bilateral relations as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy.

As this year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, China stands ready to work with Laos to promote friendly exchanges, deepen pragmatic and win-win cooperation and work toward new progress in the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future, Li said.

Phankham Viphavanh said Laos is willing to use the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations as an opportunity to enable the development of friendship to reach a deeper and broader level.

Laos is willing to step up communication and coordination with China over international and regional affairs and move forward with ties between ASEAN and China, he said.

The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.