Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R), who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, shakes hands with Lao President Choummaly Saygnasone, who is also secretary-general of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 20, 2011. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Xi Jinping on Tuesday pledged to enhance party-to-party exchanges with Laos, especially on the experience of governance and cadre-training.

Xi spoke highly of the current relations between China and Laos during a 70-minute meeting in Beijing with Choummaly Saygnasone, president of Laos and secretary-general of the Laos People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.

China will strengthen strategic mutual trust and cooperation in economy, trade, mining, hydro-power, agriculture and infrastructure, and coordination with the Laos on international and regional issues, said Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Choummaly urged the two countries to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields to advance economic and social development.

He said he appreciated China's assistance and expressed his wish that relations between the two parties and countries could be further deepened.

Choummaly arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.