Laos, China pledge to deepen friendly ties

VIENTIANE - Laos and China vowed to boost all- round cooperation and deepen bilateral ties based on the friendly relations initiated and fostered by older generation of leaders of the two countries.

During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Saturday, Choummaly Saygnasone, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and president of Laos, hailed China's remarkable achievements in development and continuously growing influence in the world.

The success of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which pointed out the direction for China's next phase of development, has greatly enhanced Laos' confidence in sticking to a socialist road with the country's own characteristics, the president said.

He added the LPRP and Lao government hope to, work along with China's new leadership, deepen the two countries' highly reliable and friendly relationship.

Wang Yi pointed out that the Laos-China ties are of unique strategic significance. In face of the complex and volatile international situation, China's new leadership is willing to strengthen strategic communication and deepen strategic cooperation with Laos, safeguard the two countries' mutual benefits, and push forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, he said.