Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Tuesday that China hopes to catapult its ties with Laos to a higher level.

Wen told Saman Vinhaket, president of the National Assembly of Laos, said China has always attached great importance to its relations with Laos and is ready to work with Laos to upgrade the bilateral ties.

Wen hailed the China-Laos ties, saying that the friendly cooperation between the two countries in various fields has produced remarkable results.

He also congratulated Saman on the achievements that the Lao people have made in economic and social development.

He expressed his belief that the Lao people will make continuous progress in developing their country under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP).

Saman, also a member of the LPRP political bureau, described the relations between Laos and China as "good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners."

He said his country appreciates China's long-term selfless assistance and hopes to further the good-neighborly friendship with China.

He also expressed his hope that the National Assembly of Laos and China's National People's Congress (NPC) would enhance exchanges and cooperation in a bid to deepen bilateral ties.

Saman is in China as guest of Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2005)