On the morning of December 17, 2002, President and Chairman of the Military Commission of the CPC Central Committee Jiang Zemin met with visiting Lao Defense Minister Duoangchay Pichit who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) at the Great Hall of the People.

Jiang extended welcome to Duoangchay and his entourage. He said that China and Laos are linked by mountains and waters and the two peoples have been on friendly terms for generations, adding that China-Laos relations featuring mutual support, equality and sincere cooperation have withstood the test of time. He went on to say that both being developing countries that follow the socialist path, China and Laos share extensive common interests and enjoy bright prospects for future cooperation. He added that the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the Lao government should work for long-term, stable, good-neighborly ties based on all-round cooperation and mutual trust in the new century.

Jiang pointed out that peace and development remain the main themes at the present era even though factors breeding instability and uncertainty are on the rise. Only by increasing international cooperation can the challenges to global security be effectively tackled. He said that China, a close neighbor of Southeast Asian countries, always treat its neighbors as partners and treat them right and hope to live in harmony with and promote common development with all neighboring countries.

Jiang also briefed the Lao guests on the 16th CPC National Congress convened not long ago. The Congress elected a new CPC leadership and Hu Jintao as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee. He noted that all CPC members and people from all ethnic groups are striving to carry out the spirit of the Congress and achieve the goals the congress has set.

Thanking Jiang for his meeting, Duoangchay conveyed greetings from LPRP Central Committee President and Lao President Khamtay Siphandone and extended congratulations on the success of the 16th CPC National Congress. He said that during his visit, defense ministry officials of the two countries had briefed each other on their latest developments, adding that the military-to-military contacts have helped to enhance mutual understanding and friendship of the two countries. He believed the visit will boost friendly relations between the two parties, countries, armed forces and peoples. He also thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to Laos and said Laos will continue to promote good-neighborly and friendly relations with China.