China, Laos agree to boost cooperation

China is willing to boost pragmatic cooperation with Laos in various fields, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said here on Friday.

Liu made the remarks during his meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somdy Douangdy.

China and Laos are good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners, said Liu, adding that China attaches great importance to the bilateral ties with Laos.

He said China is ready to work closely with Laos to implement the important consensus reached between leaders of both countries and parties, deepen the China-Laos ties, push forward pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and make contribution to peace and development of the region.

Somdy Douangdy, for his part, said the Laos-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is enjoying rapid development with frequent high level exchanges between both sides.

Meanwhile, cooperation in various fields are underway, bringing tangible benefits to peoples of both countries, he said.

Laos is willing to join hands with China to push the China-Laos ties to a new level, he said.

During his stay in Laos, Liu also held diplomatic consultation with Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Khamphao Ernthavanh, and Lao Deputy Foreign Minister and senior official responsible for ASEAN affairs Thongphane Savanphet, respectively.

Both sides agreed that the China-Laos ties have made new and important development since last year.

The two sides also spoke highly of the development of China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ties since last year. China attaches great importance to the relations with ASEAN, firmly support the development of ASEAN community and the bloc's central position in regional cooperation.

As this year marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the China-ASEAN cooperation should be pushed to a new level. China and ASEAN should also boost pragmatic cooperation, maintain regional stability, and promote common development, they noted.

The two sides also agreed to continue promoting pragmatic cooperation under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Framework.

Meanwhile, China and Laos agreed to work closely to manage the development of key cooperative projects, especially the China-Laos railway project, and enrich the contents of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Both sides will work with other ASEAN countries to push for the development of China-ASEAN strategic partnership, and make active contribution to peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region. Enditem