China, Laos pledge to enhance strategic partnership

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong pledged  Monday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields to promote their countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

During talks, Wen said the sound friendship and mutual trust between China and Laos have withstood the tests of time, adding that bilateral communication and cooperation are becoming more vigorous with both sides committed to enhancing their relations.

"China is willing to work with Laos to address various challenges, bring benefit to the two peoples and safeguard regional peace and stability," he said.

China, he added, will maintain close coordination with Laos to ensure the success of the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting, which is due to open here later in the day.

Wen noted that the two countries should fully implement the consensus reached between them and map out an action plan as soon as possible for their comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

The two sides should enhance cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure construction and satellite communication, boost coordination under the mechanism of the Mekong river law enforcement security cooperation, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, he said.

For his part, Thongsing said Laos will work with China to further increase high-level contacts and friendly exchanges at all levels and enhance communication on state governance.

Laos, he said, will also make concerted efforts with China to maintain close coordination on global and regional affairs, expand cooperation in culture, economy and trade, and combat cross-border crimes so as to continuously push forward bilateral relations.

Wen's visit to Laos, along with his attendance at the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting, is a full embodiment of Beijing's high attention to the relations with Vientiane and strong support for it, Thongsing said.

Prior to their talks, the two leaders attended the inauguration ceremony of the National Convention Center of Laos and witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.