Visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Lao Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachith Wednesday pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields to boost friendly ties.

During yesterday's meeting, Li reviewed the smooth development of Sino-Lao friendly relations over the recent years under the principle of "all-round cooperative relations of long-term stability, friendly neighboring ties and mutual trust."

China is willing to carry out the consensus reached with Laos in deepening communication and cooperation in economy and trade, education, security and human resources, and to enhance their coordination in both international and regional affairs.

On China's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Li said new advances have been made continuously in promoting their strategic partnership, which contributed greatly to regional peace, stability and development.

China appreciates the endeavor Laos has made in consolidating and promoting China-ASEAN relations and is willing to push forward the strategic ties with ASEAN members, noted Li.

For his part, Vorachith said high-level contacts between Laos and China have become more frequent in recent years, which enhanced the mutual-political trust and mutual-beneficial cooperation. He thanked China for the help it has extended to Laos over the past years and appreciated the efforts China has made to solve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

He said Laos firmly supports China's stand on the Taiwan issue and would always pursue the one-China policy.

Li arrived in Vientiane late Tuesday to pay official visit to Laos. He also held discussion with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad.

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2005)