Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived in Vientiane, capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, on Tuesday, kicking off his official visit to the country.

Xi's tour is the first visit of a Chinese vice president to the southern Asian country.

In a written speech at the airport upon his arrival, Xi said China and Laos boast profound traditional friendship, and last year the two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Chinese vice president said he was looking forward to exchanging views on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern with Lao leaders.

Laos is the second leg of Xi's four-nation trip, and he will also visit New Zealand and Australia.