Defense minister holds talks with Lao counterpart

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan (R) meets with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Douangchay Phichit, in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2013. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chang Wanquan, state councilor and minister of national defense of the People's Republic of China (PRC), held talks with Douangchay Phichith, deputy prime minister and minister of national defense of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, on the afternoon of July 2, 2013 in Beijing.

Chang Wanquan said that China and Laos are traditional friendly neighbors. The two countries have achieved fruitful results from the friendly exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and military since the beginning of the new century. The Chinese side highly cherishes China-Laos friendship, and is willing to make joint efforts with the Lao side to constantly enrich and develop China-Laos comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, so as to push forward the exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries to a new high.

Douangchay said that the relations between the two countries and the two militaries have been well developed, as evidenced by increasing pragmatic cooperation, effectively pushing forward the construction of Laos and its military. The Lao government and the Lao military will continue to unswervingly adhere to the friendly policy toward China, and are committed to further strengthening their exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese side.

Before the talks, Chang Wanquan held a welcome ceremony for Douangchay and accompanied him to review the guard of honor of the three services of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).