Wu Guanzheng, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said in Beijing  Friday that the CPC is ready to enhance cooperation with the Lao ruling party in reform and economic development.

 

"The traditional China-Laos friendship has made further progress under new circumstances," said Wu, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

 

Wu made the remarks while meeting with Somsawat Lengsavad, member of the Political Bureau of Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao Deputy Prime Minister.

 

Somsawat, accompanied by a Lao party delegation, is in Beijing for a 11-day visit aimed at exchanging ideas with the CPC on reform and opening-up, economic development and party construction.

 

Somsawat said Laos will learn from China and work with the Chinese side to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state.

 

Choummaly Sayasone, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao President, visited China late June.

 

It is Choummaly's first China visit since he was elected party chief in March and president in June respectively.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2006)