China, Laos pledge to develop bilateral ties

BEIJING—China’s top political advisor Jia Qinglin met with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith here on Friday, and pledged to further boost bilateral ties.
Jia, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, hailed the rapid development of relations between the bordering countries. He stressed that the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China (CPC) highly valued ties with Laos and would make joint efforts with Laos to promote the comprehensive and cooperative relations to a higher level. He expressed his appreciation of the Lao government’s adherence to the one-China policy and its support for China’s reunification. Jia promised the CPPCC would play a constructive role and make contributions to promote ties between the two nations.
Thongloun said Laos is willing to step up friendly exchange and cooperation with China at various levels and in different fields, and to learn from China’s valuable experience of development. Thongloun’s three-day official visit to China ends on Saturday.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith exchanged views on strengthening enhancing ties between the two nations here on Friday. China and Laos have witnessed a sound momentum of bilateral ties featuring frequent high-level exchanges, economic cooperation and coordination on international and regional affairs, Yang said.
He expressed appreciation for Lao’s support of the one-China policy, adding China is willing to make joint efforts with Laos to push the two-way ties to a new high. Thongloun said Lao highly emphasized its relationship with China, consistently pursued the one-China policy, and hoped the cooperation between the two countries would produce new fruits in various fields.
The two sides exchanged views on the Third Summit of the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program to be hosted by Laos. The Greater-Mekong subregion comprises six countries, namely Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Thongloun ends his official three-day visit to China tomorrow.—Xinhua