Lao Vice President Boungnang Vorachit (R, front) toasts with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a signing ceremony in Vientiane, Laos, June 16, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)

Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held talks in Vientiane with his Lao counterpart Boungnang Vorachit. Both leaders reached comprehensive consensus on further deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

The two sides signed a total of 18 cooperation pacts covering assistance and cooperation on a wide range of fields, including trade, infrastructure construction, finance and power generation and grid renovation.

During the talks, Xi, who arrived at Vientiane on Tuesday evening, put forward a five-point proposal on boosting bilateral relations.

He said the two sides should keep frequent exchange of high- level visits and consolidate strategic trust.

He urged both sides to explore new fields and approaches for cooperation, so as to push for new breakthroughs in bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

He also proposed more events and activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship.

He said that China and Laos should make more intimate coordination in the international arena to safeguard common interest.

For his part, Vorachit said Xi's current visit is of vital significance to consolidating the traditional friendship between the two countries as well as to promoting the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.He said the Lao side is grateful to the Chinese side for its long-term help and support.

He also said his country is willing to join hands with China to strengthen and explore more cooperation on trade, aviation, tourism and infrastructure, so as to push the bilateral ties up to a higher level.

Laos is the second leg of Xi's four-nation trip, and he will also visit New Zealand and Australia.