China is ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Laos, said Liu Qi, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), in Beijing on Monday.

 

Liu, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said the CPC attaches great importance to China-Laos relations and is ready to further bilateral cooperation in reform and opening up and economic development.

 

China and Laos are friendly neighbors with common aspiration and objectives, noted Liu, who is also secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee.

 

Liu made the remarks while meeting with Pany Yathotou, member of the Political Bureau of Lao People's Revolutionary Party and vice president of National Assembly of Laos.

 

Pany headed a Lao party delegation for a 11-day visit to China aimed at exchanging views with the CPC on reform and opening-up, economic development and party building.

 

Pany spoke highly of the development of China-Laos relations, saying China is an important force safeguarding world peace and promoting world progress.

 

She said the Lao party, government and people are greatly encouraged by China's achievements in social and economic development, adding she hoped the two sides would support and learn from each other, and jointly promote the socialist cause.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2006)