China, Laos pledge further cooperation

China and Laos on Wednesday pledged to further enhance bilateral cooperation and parliamentary exchanges.

The pledge was made during separate meetings between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang with visiting Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit at the Great Hall of the People.

Hailing the current development of China-Laos relations, Li said China was ready to further enhance political mutual trust, promote the implementation of bilateral cooperation programs, and strengthen exchanges and experience sharing on development.

He also called on the two sides to strengthen communication and coordination on regional and international affairs.

Bounnhang said the bilateral technological and trade cooperation with China made important contribution for Laos' social and economic development.

Laos is willing to expand the bilateral cooperation, and well implement the cooperation projects such as the Laos-China railway construction, Bounnhang said.

He said Laos will also actively participate in the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism that was started earlier this year.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the dialogue relationship between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Bounnhang said Laos welcomed Li to visit Laos and attend this year's leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation scheduled in Vientiane. Laos will also make good preparation for the commemorating summit for the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relationship to advance regional cooperation.

Li echoed saying he was looking forward to this year's leaders' meeting and the commemorating summit.

Li spoke highly of the contribution made by Laos for regional cooperation and development, saying China will support Laos' rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN, and work with Laos and other ASEAN members to jointly push forward the China-ASEAN relations and East Asian cooperation to benefit people in the region.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, said in his meeting with Bounnhang that the NPC attached high importance to the cooperation with the Lao National Assembly and was willing to keep the bilateral exchanges of all levels.

Zhang urged the legislative bodies of the two countries to increase exchanges on national governance, legislature and supervision to help promote the development of the China-Laos relations.

Bounnhang said the Lao government and National Assembly will work with the Chinese side to push forward the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also met with Bounnhang on Wednesday afternoon. Endi