VIENTIANE, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- A groundbreaking ceremony for the China-aided upgrading and renovation project of Santiphab Secondary School in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province was held on Monday.

This aerial photo taken on Feb. 7, 2023 shows the view along the Mekong River at Lao capital Vientiane. (Photo: Xinhua)

Representatives from the Chinese and Lao governments, guests from various sectors of both countries, and all teachers and students of the school attended the ceremony.

In his speech, Lao Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Dalavone Kittiphan stated that this project is not only an improvement in infrastructure but also a powerful testament to the traditional friendship between Laos and China. The upgrading and renovation of the school is of great and urgent significance, and will effectively improve the level of human resource development in Luang Prabang province and Laos as a whole.

Li Xizhen, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Laos, stated that China and Laos are linked by mountains and rivers and share a common destiny. China will work closely with Laos to ensure the high-quality completion of the project and make it a model project showcasing the friendship between China and Laos.

The Santiphab Secondary School upgrading and renovation project is one of ten schools in Laos funded by China. The project has a total construction area of approximately 9,417 square meters and will include two new teaching buildings, an indoor sports hall, a main gate, and supporting equipment rooms.