Hu, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), was speaking during talks with Khamtay Siphandone, president of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao president.

They exchanged in-depth views on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern and reached a wide-ranging consensus.

Hu said both sides had earnestly implemented the consensus and the joint declaration guiding the development of bilateral relations reached in 2000 between the heads of state of the two countries. Meanwhile, both sides had made concrete efforts to push forward the overall development of relations with good results.

China appreciated the support of Laos on such issues as Taiwan, added Hu.

Khamtay, who arrived here earlier Thursday afternoon on a three-day state visit to China as Hu's guest, said the two parties and the two countries shared a common goal and a friendly relationship of mutual cooperation.

To further bilateral relations, Khamtay suggested that they maintain high-level exchanges, further contacts between the two parties and non-governmental organizations, learn from each other, and continue expanding cooperation in economics, culture, border security and the fight against drug trafficking.

Hu agreed to the suggestion, saying China would enhance contacts between leaders of the two countries to exchange views promptly; strengthen exchanges of theory and experience concerning party- and country-building, and explore ways to deal with new issues that may arise in developing socialism; enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation; and strengthen cooperation in regional and international affairs.

Hu spoke positively of the achievements Laos had made, and briefed Khamtay on China's fight against SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), economic development and party-building.

Khamtay also spoke highly of China's development and wished China would make greater achievements.

On international and regional situations, Hu said the current international situation was undergoing complicated changes, and uncertain factors were arising for world peace and stability. However, peace and development remained the theme of the times, and it was the common aspiration of people all over the world to safeguard world peace and stability, promote economic growth and establish a just and rational new international political and economic order.

The new Chinese leadership would adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace, treat neighbors in a friendly way and as partners, and strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation with other countries so as to contribute to peace and progress, Hu said.

Khamtay said safeguarding peace, promoting cooperation and development, and striving for a multi-polar world were the main trends of the times, and Laos would continue its peaceful, cooperative and friendly foreign policy, and make its own efforts to maintain regional and world peace and promote common development.

After the talks, Hu and Khamtay attended a document signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing.

Before the talks, Hu presided over a welcoming ceremony for Khamtay outside the hall.

(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2003)