President Jiang Zemin Meets with Former Lao President Nouhak

Visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin met with former Lao President Nouhak Phoumsavan in the presidential palace on the morning of Nov. 12, 2000.



After the two old friends greeted each other warmly, Jiang recalled that they two met each other in 1995 when Nouhak was visiting China, adding that he is very pleased to see Nouhak again in Vientiane after the lapse of five years. President Jiang said that he feels particularly glad to note that Nouhak enjoys such good health.

Nouhak noted that Jiang's current visit to Laos is the first by a head of state of the People's Republic of China, a country with a population of 1.2 billion. Therefore, it is of great historical significance and a milestone in the bilateral relations. He extended welcome and expressed thanks to Jiang for visiting Laos.

President Jiang said that Nouhak is a leader of the older-generation of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the state, an old friend of the Chinese people who has for a long time made great efforts and contributions to the Sino-Lao friendship. Jiang expressed his appreciation and thanks, and wished him good health and longevity.



Jiang noted that China and Laos are two countries closely linked by common mountains and rivers and the friendship between the two peoples has a long history. Jiang said that he was overwhelmed by the warm welcome and reception accorded to him ever since he landed in Laos.

Jiang noted that he held very good meetings and talks with President Khamtay, Prime Minister Sisavath and National Assembly President Samane, adding that he feels very much at home here. He went on to say that China stands ready to consolidate and develop long-term, stable, good neighborly, friendly relations featuring mutual trust and all-round cooperation with Laos in the new century. 

Nouhak wished Jiang's visit a full success.

Nov. 13, 2000