China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds a press briefing on Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Vietnam and Laos, Nov. 3, 2017. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will attend the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam, on Nov. 10-11 and pay state visits to Vietnam and Laos from Nov. 12 to 14. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)
BEIJING, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to Vietnam and Laos from Nov. 10 to Nov. 14, his first overseas trip after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), will help enhance Asia-Pacific cooperation and ties with neighboring countries, senior officials said here on Friday.
In Vietnam, Xi will attend the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang.
Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said at a press briefing that President Xi's attendance at the APEC meeting in Da Nang shows China's high regard for Asia-Pacific cooperation.
Xi will speak at the APEC CEO summit, attend a meeting between APEC economic leaders and ASEAN leaders, and meet leaders of other APEC economies.
Economic leaders will exchange views on topics including regional economic integration, inclusive development, innovative growth, connectivity, agriculture and food security.
China hopes the Da Nang APEC meeting will follow the general trend of opening up and development in the Asia-Pacific region, discover new driving forces in the region, strengthen connectivity and map out a new vision of future cooperation.
"China will work with all parties to boost the development and prosperity of the region and the world," Li said.
On the economic and trade front, Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said a framework for APEC cross-border e-commerce is expected to be approved and a supervision framework for supply chains connectivity action plan be drawn.
This year's meetings are expected to further implement the outcomes of 2014 APEC summit in Beijing, continue development of the Free Trade Agreement in the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), and support a multilateral trading system.
On the state visits to Vietnam and Laos from Nov. 12 to 14, Assistant Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said the trip marks the opening of a new chapter of neighborhood diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
During his stay in Vietnam, Xi will meet with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the Chair of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.
The leaders will discuss governance, development strategies, economic cooperation and cultural exchange, Chen said.
During his visit to Laos, the first state visit by top Chinese leader since 2006, Xi will meet with Bounnhang Vorachit, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and president of Laos, Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and President of the Lao National Assembly Pany Yathotu, Chen said.
The leaders will attend the foundation-laying ceremony of Lao's livelihood project built with Chinese assistance, he added.
"The visits will generate new opportunities and inject positive impetus into bilateral relations as well as the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries," Chen said.
