BEIJING, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on the launch of the China-Laos Tourism Year 2019 in Vientiane on Friday, expressing his hope for deepening understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Noting that China and Laos enjoy mutual political support, comprehensive economic cooperation and constant deepening of traditional friendship, Xi said China views Laos as a good neighbor, friend, comrade and partner. He also said China is willing to work with the Laotian side to better dovetail development strategies, enhance cooperation on Belt and Road construction, and promote the China-Laos comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation to achieve new fruits.

China and Laos both have brilliant cultures and beautiful sceneries, Xi said. People of both countries, drinking water from the same river, have the strong aspiration to deepen mutual understanding and friendship, the Chinese president added.

Xi said he hopes the two countries will take the chance of holding the year of tourism to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and to consolidate the public and social basis for the building of a China-Laos community of shared future.

The agreement to hold the China-Laos Tourism Year was reached during the talks between Xi and visiting Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachit in Beijing in May 2018.

Both sides will jointly hold exhibitions, artistic performances, forums, training programs and other events, to promote mutual understanding and friendship, as well as to make contributions to building a China-Laos community of shared future.