China: Putin vows to expand trade with Laos at meeting with President Sayasone

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to “expand trade and economic relations” with Laos, during a meeting with Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, in Beijing on Thursday. The Russian president noted that “our political dialogue is at a high level, with good momentum, and we need to take advantage of this.” The meeting of the presidents was one month ahead of “a significant event; the restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Laos,” according to Putin. Putin continued, telling Sayasone that Laos chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) “is very important for Russia,” both “in terms of recovery and expanding our contacts in Asia.” During his visit to Beijing, Putin is also planning to meet with his counterpart from Venezuela after previously having met with Czech President Milos Zeman, earlier in the day.