China and Laos reaffirmed their determination to further advance their traditional friendly relations as senior leaders of the ruling parties of the two countries met in Beijing Wednesday.

He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met Sisavath Keobounphanh, chairman of the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Reconstruction.

Sisavath Keobounphanh, 81, has visited China many times over the past half century. He is now a senior leader of the Laos ruling party, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

Over the years, different generations of leaders of China and Laos have devoted much care and effort to cultivating and growing a strong friendship since they established diplomatic relations in1961.

He, also secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, expressed appreciation for the effort that Sisavath Keobounphanh has made in advancing friendship between the two countries.

Noting that bilateral relations are marching toward a new era of fast growth, He said China is ready to further elevate the level of bilateral links by deepening strategic mutual trust and cooperation. He said China and Laos will always be good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners.

China and Laos share a border of more than 500 kilometers. Both countries pursue a socialist route for development.

In recent years, bilateral trade has been growing rapidly as China's investment helped boost social and economic development in Laos. Laos President Choummaly Saygnasone will visit China starting from this Sunday.

He briefed Sisavath Keobounphanh about the economic situation in China. He said China's economy now shows a strong momentum of stabilizing and recovery. China's success in maintaining a stable and fast economic growth will be an important contribution to the recovery of the world economy.

China's economy, however, is still faced with a lot of destabilizing factors and uncertainties, He said.

"The complicated and grim situation requires tremendous effort to reinforce and enhance the current momentum of recovery," He said.

He also briefed the Laotian guests about the forthcoming Fourth Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee and preparations for celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China.

Keobounphanh underscored the good-neighbor relations between Laos and China, vowing his country and party would like to step up all-tier ties with Chinese counterpart.

Later Wednesday, China's top political consultant Jia Qinglin also met Keobounphanh.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, appreciated the long-standing support the Laotians offered China on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and counter-terrorism.

Jia characterized the CPPCC National Committee and Lao Front for National Reconstruction as "an irreplaceable part in their own country's politics".

Jia called for both parties to step up all-round exchange and cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2009)