BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, extending his deep condolences over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former president of Laos and former chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended profound condolences to the LPRP, the Lao government and people over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, and expressed sincere sympathies to his family on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and people, and in his own name.

In the message to Thongloun, also General Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, Xi hailed Comrade Khamtay as a steadfast communist, outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao party and state, and close comrade and friend of the CPC and the Chinese people.

Xi also said Khamtay had devoted his life to Laos' reform and socialist development, making significant contributions to the development of relations between the two parties and two countries, adding that the Chinese people will always cherish his memory.

Noting that China and Laos are socialist neighbors linked by the same mountains and rivers, Xi said the two countries are not only good neighbors, but also good friends, good comrades and good partners.

He noted that China attaches great importance to consolidating and carrying forward the traditional friendship between the two parties and two countries, and stands ready to work with Laos to promote the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future and the continuous progress of their respective socialist causes.

Xi also expressed the hope that under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the LPRP headed by General Secretary Thongloun, Laos would continue to make new and greater achievements in the cause of building the party and the country.