Chinese President Hu Jintao and his visiting Laotian counterpart Choummaly Saygnasone have agreed to lift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

At a reception in Beijing on Sept. 9, President Hu praised the level of Chinese-Laotian relations, particularly the frequent exchange of high-level visits and bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership will bolster bilateral ties and will be conducive to reform in both countries plus the opening up of their markets, said Hu.

Hu emphasised the necessity to continue with regular visits by the leaders of both countries and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern.

Both parties could expand trade and economic links in a spirit of equality and mutual benefit, stated Hu.

He proposed that the two nations should strengthen cooperation in regional frameworks such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)- China (ASEAN+1) and ASEAN-China, the Republic of Korea and Japan (ASEAN+3), as well as the Mekong sub-region cooperation framework.

For his part, President Choummaly said that the long-term stable cooperation between the two countries proved that the traditional Laos-China friendship was based on a firm social foundation.

He pledged to work closer with China on a number of major issues, to step up economic and trade links and promote cultural exchanges.

The Laos President hailed China 's reforms and achievements and committed his support to the one-China policy.

Later the same day, President Choummaly also met with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao./.