BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism visited the headquarters of Xinhua News Agency here on Sunday for the forthcoming Second Laos-China Belt and Road Cooperation Forum.

During their talks, Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao hailed the China-Laos relationship as example of China's friendship and cooperation with its neighbor countries.

Noting media groups' role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship, Cai said the Laos-China Belt and Road Cooperation Forum has become a new important platform to boost the bilateral ties.

The first forum was held in Vientiane in February last year, jointly organized by the Commission for Propaganda and Training of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, China's Xinhua News Agency, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

On Sunday, Cai said the Chinese side attaches great importance to the forum and stands ready to increase communication with the Lao side in preparation for the second forum to achieve more substantial results.

Kikeo, member of Secretariat of LPRP Central Committee, said the first forum was a great success that has strongly helped the economic and social development of the Laos.

The Lao side looks forward to more fruitful results at the second forum next year, Kikeo said.