Laos, China pledge to strengthen military ties

(KPL) Laos and China Thursday pledged to strengthen their military ties and promote the bilateral relations, Xinhua reported on 22 July in Beijing.

“It is important to both sides to enhance the exchange and cooperation in politics, trade, economy, culture and defence,” Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told Douangchay Phichit, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Defence 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, two states, and two military forces.

Chinese Defence 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 the Laos-China cooperation in recent years.

Douangchay reiterated the Lao government adheres to the one-China policy. After the talks, the two defence ministers signed a
cooperation agreement.

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