Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, meets with Laotian National Assembly President Thongsing Thammavong in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 2, 2010. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
SHANGHAI, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) - Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo met with Laotian National Assembly President Thongsing Thammavong in Shanghai Saturday.
Wu, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, welcomed Thongsing to Shanghai and thanked him for his support for the Shanghai World Expo.
Wu said China and Laos were good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners.
He said Chinese President Hu Jintao and Laotian President Choummaly Saygnasone exchanged visits last year. They jointly lifted bilateral links by deciding to develop an all-round strategic cooperative partnership.
Wu said China had always cherished its friendship with Laos. China was ready to work with Laos to maintain frequent high-level contacts, deepen strategic trust, expand trade and economic cooperation, strengthen exchanges between the ruling parties, expand personnel training and promote common development.
Wu pointed out that both the NPC and the Laotian parliament had the responsibility of enhancing the development of socialist democracy and legal systems. He expressed the hope that both sides should exchange experiences in governing and developing legal systems so as to make even greater contributions to the growth of bilateral links.
Thongsing said China adhered to the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and to the route of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The great achievements that China had made in modernization had reinforced the confidence and determination of Laos to stick to the socialist route.
He said Laos placed great importance on developing relations with China. It was ready to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation and to jointly address challenges.
Thongsing hailed the Shanghai 2010 World Expo as the "most successful" in history. "I was honored to attend the celebrations of China's National Pavilion Day Friday," he said.
Recalling Thongsing's China visit in 2008, Wu said: "I still have fresh memories of your last visit. It was a boost to our relations."
China and the Laos had made good progress in bilateral relations in recent years, with parliamentary exchanges serving as an important channel to boost understanding and cooperation.
Vice Chairwoman of the NPC Standing Committee Yan Junqi paid a goodwill visit to Laos in March.