Chinese Defense Minister Meets Lao Guests

Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian met in Beijing Thursday with Ay Souliyaseng, vice defense minister of Laos and his party.

Chi, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, recalled his visit to Laos in February, and said that China and Laos are good neighbors and the people of the two countries have enjoyed a long-term friendship.

He said that Sino-Lao relations have developed well in recent years, and state and military leaders of the two countries have kept frequent contact.

Chi hoped that the military of China and Lao would continue cooperation in all fields and build up long-term, and good- neighborly relations of mutual trust.

Ay Souliyaseng said that through the visit he and his party have learned how the People's Liberation Army develops itself, and will promote friendship between the two armed forces.

He hopes that Laos and China and their armed forces will continue their cooperation in the future.

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2001)