China is ready to make joint efforts with Laos to lift bilateral relations to a new level, said Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju in Beijng Saturday.

Huang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remark in a meeting with Somsawat Lengsavad, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Commission.

Citing the deeply-rooted bilateral traditional friendship, Huang said the neighborly friendship between China and Laos have moved ahead smoothly in line with long-term stability, neighborly friendship, mutual trust and all-round cooperation.

The two countries have conducted progressive cooperation in various fields and the government and party leaders of the two countries have maintained contacts, said Huang, adding that the CPC and the Chinese government will as always value and deepen friendship between the two countries so as to lift bilateral relations to a new level.

Samsawat agreed with Huang and recalled high-level visits between the two countries, including former Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to Laos and Lao President Khamtay Siphandone's visit to China.

Samsawat, who is in Beijing to attend the Third International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) hosted by the CPC, spoke highly of Chinese President and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao's remarks on the conference.

The two countries will certainly become good neighbors, partners and comrades, said Samsawat, adding that the Lao People's Revolutionary Party welcomed more Chinese cadres to visit Laos.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2004)