VIENTIANE, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Sunday met with representatives of the overseas Chinese in Laos, on the sidelines of his official visit to the country which started Saturday.

Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, sent cordial greetings and best wishes to all the overseas Chinese in Laos on behalf of the Chinese people.

Wang said the China-Laos relationship has ushered in a new era since top leaders of the two countries inked an action plan in April on building a community with a shared future for China and Laos.

The purpose of his visit is to help implement this important consensus, consolidate friendship between the two countries and between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and promote practical cooperation in all fields to benefit the two peoples, said Wang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

The diligent, kind-hearted and self-reliant overseas Chinese in Laos have made important contributions to local economic and social development while achieving great success in various fields, Wang said.

In the meantime, they all care about China and have contributed to China's development, he said.

China has come closer than ever before to making the goal of national rejuvenation a reality, and is moving closer to the world's center stage with an expanding "circle of friends," providing the overseas Chinese with a historic opportunity to succeed, Wang said.

He called on the overseas Chinese in Laos to continue to uphold the spirit of exploration and innovation, and expand and strengthen their businesses to lay foundations for future development.

He urged them to enhance solidarity and collaboration, strengthen the sense of togetherness and support China's peaceful reunification.

He encouraged them to promote practical cooperation, uphold justice while pursuing shared interests, actively participate in the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, expand cooperation in Chinese language education and tourism, and deepen friendly exchanges between the two peoples.

He also expressed hope that the overseas Chinese in Laos will take advantage of their connections with both nations to tell Chinese stories well, including the stories of themselves and the bigger ones on China's development and the China-Laos friendship.

During the meeting, Wang was briefed by representatives of the overseas Chinese in Laos on their efforts against attempts to separate China and in conducting trade and economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.