China and Laos on Thursday pledged to further strengthen military ties.

The pledge came out of a meeting between China's Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Laos Douangchay Phichit.

"China attaches importance to the bilateral relationship with Laos and its armed forces. This is not only in the interest of the two peoples, but also conducive to regional security and development," Liang said.

Hailing the traditional friendship between the two countries, Liang said China would work with Laos to strengthen friendship and expand cooperation, so as to advance bilateral political and military ties.

Douangchay echoed Liang saying cooperation between the two countries had gone well in recent years. The Lao government and armed forces would continue to pursue friendly policies toward China and promote common development with it.

Douangchay also reiterated the Lao government and armed forces' adherence to the one-China policy.

After the meeting, the two defense ministers signed a cooperation agreement.