( August 25, 1956 )
At the beginning of the banquet, Chairman Mao Zedong raised his glass to greet the King of Laos, wishing him good health, to greet Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma, wishing him good health, and to extend congratulations to all members of the Government Delegation of the Kingdom of Laos, and to all the people of the Kingdom of Laos.
Chairman Mao Zedong said: China and Laos are close neighbors. The two countries have been friendly historically. Although relations between the two countries were interrupted in modern times, now, on a new basis and on the basis of the Five Principles, the historically friendly relations are beginning to be restored. Chairman Mao Zedong expressed congratulations on the restoration of friendly relations between the two countries and the victory of the Five Principles.
After delivering his speech, Chairman Mao Zedong drank a toast together with Prime Minister Souvanna Phouma and Deputy Prime Minister Katay Don Sasorith [1] and others.
[1]
Katay Don Sasorith, then serving as Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Laos.