Lao President and Lao People’s Revolutionary Party General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith revisited the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee in Beijing on Thursday, marking a return to the institution where he undertook a monthlong study program in 2000. During his visit, Thongloun noted that despite changes to the campus over the years, the dormitory where he stayed remained largely unchanged, leaving a lasting impression.

Thongloun arrived in Beijing from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, as part of a five-day state visit to China. Reflecting on his time at the Party School, he recalled that the 2000 program included 25 senior Lao officials, led by former Lao leader Bounnhang Vorachith, and covered topics such as Party theory, state policies, and national development. He credited this experience with enhancing his understanding of Party building and establishing a foundation for his subsequent leadership role in Laos.

The Party School continues to serve as a key platform for exchange between Chinese and Lao officials. This year, more than 40 Lao students have been enrolled, a development Thongloun welcomed. He expressed hope that these students will become capable officials and emphasized the value of such study opportunities for Lao personnel to learn from the Communist Party of China’s governance practices.

Thongloun also highlighted the partnership between China’s Party School and the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, noting that the two institutions have signed four cooperation agreements to date. He praised China’s ongoing support for the Lao academy and called for expanded collaboration, particularly in faculty exchanges. As part of this effort, he expressed a desire to invite his former Chinese instructors to lecture in Laos later this year.

The visit underlined the continued commitment by both countries to strengthen educational and political ties through practical cooperation between their respective training institutions.