Vice President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Prime Minister of Laos Thongsing Thammavong on the sidelines of the ninth China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) being held in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to discuss bilateral ties.
China and Laos share similar political systems and ideals, which is an advantage for the two nations in terms of boosting cooperation and fostering friendship, Xi said, applauding the robust growth of bilateral ties in recent years.
Xi called on both sides to further implement important agreements reached between the top leaders of the two countries in an aim to boost their bilateral comprehensive and strategic partnership.
"China welcomes Laos to expand its cooperation with southwestern Chinese provinces, such as Yunnan and Guangxi, to generate more benefits for both peoples," Xi added.
Speaking highly of the role the China-ASEAN Expo has played in cementing ties between China and ASEAN member nations, Thongsing said he admires the remarkable achievements China has made in promoting its economic and social development.
Such achievements have showcased the vitality of the socialist system and contributed to the maintenance of peace and prosperity, Thongsing noted.
He expressed appreciation for China's support for his country's development, pledging to promote high-level exchanges and expand cooperation with China.
The CAEXPO is slated to run from Sept. 21 to 25 in Nanning. It has gathered foreign leaders from multiple ASEAN countries, including Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Mohamad Yassin and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong.
Copyright ©1999-2011 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
