BEIJING — China is willing to continue to support Laos as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, said State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Aug 2.

Yang made the remarks while meeting with Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Laos, said Yang, calling on both countries to forge ahead the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.

China would like to work with Laos to advance the China-ASEAN cooperation, he added.