Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping told Lao people in Vientiane on Wednesday that China will consolidate traditional friendship with Laos.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping views old photos with Laos representatives friendly to China in Vientiane, June 16, 2010. [Liu Weibing/Xinhua]

Xi made the remarks when meeting with a group of Lao people who have a long friendship with China. They include Lao Communications, Transport, Post and Construction Minister Sommath Pholsena and Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce Khemmani Pholsena.

During the meeting, Xi said the close friendship between China and Laos is forged by leaders of older generation and enriched by peoples of the two countries for generations.

Xi said China and Laos have decided to establish comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. He expected the two countries to carry on the traditional friendship, promote mutual beneficial cooperation in all fields and make new contribution to develop bilateral relations.

The two ministers expressed their appreciation to Xi for meeting with them. They said the meeting demonstrates the deep friendship between the two peoples.

They also said Lao people vow to carry on friendship with China and push forward friendly cooperation between the two countries.