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)
