At a regular press conference held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that President Hu Jintao will, as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China, pay a state visit to Laos on November 19th and 20th.

President Hu will be the highest-ranking official to visit Laos since the country's new leaders were elected, the second time such a senior official has visited, said Jiang.

"We believe that this visit will have far-reaching significance in promoting relations between both parties and nations," Jiang said. During the visit, the delegation will talk about increasing political trust, opportunities for mutual benefit and cooperation, and blueprinting development between China and Laos.

On the agenda is a meeting between President Hu, the President of Laos, Choummaly Sayasone, and the Secretary-General of the Central Committee of Lao People's Revolution Party. Hu will also meet with the president of the National Assembly, the prime minister and former president of Laos. China and Laos will issue a joint statement and develop cooperation agreements in the fields of economics, trade, public security and health.

By People's Daily Online