Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese president, arrived in Vientiane yesterday to start a state visit to Laos.

 

Hu was invited by Choummaly Sayasone, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (PRP) and Lao president.

 

In a written statement released upon his arrival at the airport, Hu spoke highly of the achievements made by the Lao people under the PRP's leadership.

 

China and Laos are good neighbors, friends, comrades and partners as the two countries share mountains and waters and enjoy a deep traditional friendship, he said.

 

Relations between the two parties and the two countries are witnessing a comprehensive and in-depth development with political mutual trust, sincere economic cooperation, and mutual support and close coordination in international and regional affairs, Hu noted.

 

Hu said he is looking forward to exchanging views with Lao leaders on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern.

 

Hu expressed his belief that his current visit will surely help enhance friendship, mutual trust and cooperation, and help map out future plans to further enhance the development of the bilateral relations and cooperation.

 

Hu arrived here from Vietnam where he concluded a state visit and attended the 14th APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders' Meeting from November 17 to 19 in Hanoi.

 

Laos is the second leg of Hu's four-nation tour, which will also take him to India and Pakistan.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2006)