The operation of the China-Laos Railway has greatly enhanced Laos' international strategic position, thus turning Laos into an important hub for transportation in the region, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said.

VIENTIANE, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Since its operation in December 2021, the China-Laos Railway has brought great benefits to the Lao people and opened up a new path for Laos' development and prosperity.

As the only landlocked member of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with mountains and plateaus that account for about 80 percent of the land area, Laos has realized its dream of becoming a land-linked hub in the region as the streamlined China-standard bullet train for the railway runs in the north of the country.

The launching of the railway marks a monumental and historic milestone in the development of modern infrastructure for Laos, said Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith at the launching ceremony on Dec. 3, 2021, calling it "a proud moment and the dream of all ethnic groups of Laos."

Marking the first anniversary of the operation of the railway, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone hailed the quality service for passenger and freight transportation of the railway and its contribution to the socio-economic development of Laos.

The operation of the railway has greatly enhanced Laos' international strategic position, thus turning Laos into an important hub for transportation in the region, he said.