Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavan of Lao People's Democratic Republic met visiting Chinese General Liang Guanglie, Chief of General Staff of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), in the Lao capital Vientiane Wednesday, and expressed Lao readiness to further promote bilateral cooperation in defense and other areas.

 

Bouasone asked Liang, also member of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC), who arrived in Vientiane Tuesday on an official visit, to convey his greetings and good wish to his Chinese counterpart, Premier Wen Jiabao.

 

Bouasone noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Lao diplomatic relationship, and that the Lao government and people would be always grateful for China's strong support during the years, whether in war times or peaceful days.

 

He reiterated the Lao government's support to the one-China policy and its readiness to further promote the good relations between the two neighbor countries, which has kept moving forward in many areas, including the defense cooperation.

 

The Lao prime minister said the Lao government earnestly looks forward to a visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao, saying that he believed the expected visit will usher in a new era in bilateral relations.

 

Liang said the Chinese government, the CPC and the PLA have always attached great importance to Sino-Lao friendship, which has been solidified through the ups and downs of international climate, and they are willing to deepen bilateral cooperation between the governments and armed forces.

 

The Chinese general on the day also met Lao Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister Douangchai Phichi, who expressed willingness to further enhance exchange and cooperation between the PLA and the Lao People's Army (LPA), which would benefit the development of the two national military forces and regional stability.

 

Liang paid the three-day good wish visit to Vientiane at the invitation of Kenekham Senglathone, Chief of the General Staff of LPA. The two had a talk Wednesday, exchanging views on international and regional security issues and ties between the two armies among others. Kenekham expressed satisfaction on the development status of bilateral relations and willingness to deepen the good ties.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2006)