BEIJING, Dec. 9 (China Space News) -- Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, arrived in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 1, to attend the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Zhang, accompanied by CASC president Lei Fanpei, visited the Lao communications satellite ground station on Dec. 3.

He lauded the successful launch of a Lao communications satellite with a Chinese carrier rocket on Nov. 21 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, saying it is the manifestation of achievements made in bilateral relations.

Lao President Choummaly Sayasone expressed gratitude for China's assistance in launching the satellite, Lao Sat-1, and believed the friendly cooperation between Laos and China will continue to benefit the peoples of the two countries and the region.