Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds video talks with Lao National Assembly President Pany Yathotou in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

China's top legislator Li Zhanshu held video talks in Beijing with his Lao counterpart Pany Yathotou Monday.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that China and Laos have helped each other in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which shows the profound friendship between the two nations and peoples.

Li noted that the year 2021 will mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of China-Laos diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Laos Friendship, ushering in a new important opportunity for the development of relations between the two parties and nations.

"China is willing to work with Laos to implement the action plan to build a China-Laos community with a shared future, strengthen strategic communication, deepen pragmatic cooperation, promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and enhance multilateral coordination," Li said.

Li called on the two countries to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges in a flexible manner and promote synergy between the development strategies and cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with the China-Laos Economic Corridor taking the leading role, saying that China supports Laos in its efforts on improving the livelihood of the people and will strengthen public health cooperation further with Laos.

He also urged for well designing and preparing for a series of events in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Laos Friendship.

The Chinese legislator also said China's NPC is willing to make joint efforts with the Lao National Assembly to further strengthen cooperation between legislative bodies.

Laos is willing to learn from the experience of its Chinese comrades in governance, the promotion of economic progress and social development, and poverty alleviation. It is also willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the legislatures of the two nations, and promote the friendly cause between Laos and China, said Pany Yathotou, president of the Lao National Assembly.