Chinese president meets Lao counterpart

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-20-2006 08:47

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao has met with his Lao counterpart in the capital of Vientiane. The two leaders discussed ways to expand cooperation between China and its southern neighbor. The Chinese president arrived in Laos after successfully completing a state visit to Vietnam, and participating in the 14th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Hanoi.

During talks with Lao President Choummaly Sayasone in Vientiane on Sunday, President Hu Jintao put forward a five-point proposal to further develop Sino-Lao relations.

The proposal promotes high-level exchanges, as well as expansion of economic and trade cooperation. It also outlines ways to step up cooperation in maintaining border security, as well as fighting cross-border crimes.

President Choummaly Sayasone said Laos would work with China to implement the proposal. He also expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in economy, trade, investment, energy, mining, infrastructure construction and tourism.

Both Hu Jintao and Choummaly Sayasone praised the ongoing development of relations between the two countries. And they reaffirmed that relations are based on the principles of long-term stability, good neighborly friendship, mutual trust and all-round cooperation.

President Hu Jintao says strengthening the traditional bilateral friendship and overall cooperation are in the fundamental interest of the peoples of both countries. And that this path is conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Hu Jintao also pledged that China would continue to highly regard bilateral relations with Laos. And that the two countries would always strive to remain good neighbors, as well as friends, comrades and partners.

The Chinese president also expressed his appreciation for Laos' consistent and firm support for China on such issues as Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

Choummaly said that regardless of the changing international situation, Laos would firmly continue to develop comprehensive cooperation with China. And that both sides would continue to promote the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples.

The Lao president also underscored his country's adherence to the one-China policy, as well as Lao's opposition to "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities in any form and support for China's reunification.

After their talks, the two leaders attended a ceremony where they witnessed the signing of a series of documents. The agreements outlined cooperation in economics, science and technology, as well as health care and power generation.

Laos is the second leg of Chinese President Hu Jintao's four-nation tour, which will also take him to India and Pakistan.

Backgrounder:

Development of sino-Laoian ties >>

Lao People´s Democratic Republic>>

Ties between China and Laos >>

Editor:Wang Ping