VIENTIANE -- Lao President Choummaly Sayasone described China as “a reliable friend” of Laos while receiving Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan in Lao capital Vientiane on Friday.

Chinese party, government and army have long been providing assistance to Laos, contributing greatly to maintaining Lao national independence and promoting socio-economic development, the president said.

The comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Laos and China has been continuously deepened in recent years, yielding fruitful achievements in the fields of politics, economy and security, among others, he said.

Lao President Choummaly Sayasone (R) meets with Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan in Vientiane, capital of Laos, May 16, 2014. Lao President Choummaly Sayasone described China as “a reliable friend” of Laos while receiving Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan in Lao capital Vientiane on Friday.[Photo/Xinhua]

In the context of complicated regional and international situation, it is necessary for the two countries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for the sake of both sides, he added.

Choummaly Sayasone expressed his hope that the two armies would continue to carry out regular exchanges.

Chang Wanquan, for his part, said under the leadership of the two countries’ leaders, the bilateral cooperation on high-level army official exchanges, human resource training and healthcare has achieved good results.

China is willing to work together with Laos to lift the relationship between the two armies to a new level for peace and stability in the region.

Chang Wanquan arrived in Vientiane on Thursday for a four-day visit. On Friday, Chang also held talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Douangchay Phichit.

During the talks, the two sides discussed issues of common concern, as well as the pragmatic cooperation between the two armies.