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| Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Douangchay Phichit, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister in Beijing, China on July 22, 2010. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) |
BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- China and Laos Thursday pledged to strengthen military ties and promote bilateral relations.
"It is important to both sides to enhance exchange and cooperation in politics, trade, economics, culture and defense," Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told Douangchay Phichit, Laos's deputy prime minister and defense minister.
During the half-hour meeting in Beijing, both Wen and Douangchay hailed the bilateral relationship and pledged to strengthen ties between the two ruling parties, the two states, and the two military forces.
Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie held talks with Douangchay early Thursday.
"China attaches importance to its bilateral relationship with Laos and its armed forces. The relationship is in the interests of the two peoples and regional security and development," Liang said.
China hopes to work with Laos to strengthen the bilateral friendship and to expand cooperation, Liang said.
Douangchay hailed Laos-China cooperation in recent years.
Douangchay reiterated the Lao government adheres to the one-China policy.
After the talks, the two defense ministers signed a cooperation agreement.
