A Senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) He Guoqiang said?in beijing on?Tuesday China is ready to deepen cooperation with Laos to raise bilateral ties to higher level.

He, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said in a meeting with his Lao counterpart Asang Laoly that China has always attached great importance to developing the relations with Laos.

He said China hopes to make joint efforts with Laos to deepen cooperation and continuously raise bilateral ties to higher level.

He, also secretary of the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, hailed the friendly exchanges between the discipline inspection departments of the two parties, saying such exchanges were both conducive to promoting the work of both sides and to deepening relations between the two parties and two countries.

He also briefed the Lao guests on the May 12 massive quake in China's Sichuan Province, saying the whole Chinese nation was engaged in the battle of quake relief and was confident to conquer the disaster, adding that China was grateful to the Lao party and government's support and aid over the quake.

Asang Laoly, who is a member of the Political Bureau of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, director of the Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and vice prime minister, expressed his deep sympathy and condolences over the severe casualties and losses of property of the Chinese people caused by the quake.

He said he hoped the two parties and two countries strengthen exchanges, deepen cooperation and realize common development and progress.

He Yong, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and deputy secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, also met Asang Laoly on Tuesday, pledging to expand cooperation between the discipline inspection organs of the two nations.

The Lao guests are invited by the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection for a visit to China.

(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2008)