NANNING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Thursday met with leaders from Thailand, Myanmar and Laos ahead of an annual expo and business summit between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in southwest China.

They will attend the 12th China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, scheduled from Sept. 18 to Sept. 21 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

When meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn, Zhang said, "The Expo features 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, a major initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping during his visit to Southeast Asia in 2013. It reflects the common aspiration for China and the ASEAN countries."

As this year marks the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations, China is willing to work with Thailand to enhance cooperation in railway, agricultural produce trade, law-enforcement, security and defense, according to Zhang.

Tanasak Patimapragorn expressed willingness to deepen practical cooperation with China and further the relations between ASEAN and China.

When meeting with Myanmar Vice President Sai Mauk Kham, Zhang said the Chinese and Myanmar leaderships had reached important consensus on deepening comprehensive strategic cooperation during President U Thein Sein's visit to China earlier this month.

Zhang called on both sides to increase mutual trust, maintain high level exchanges, share state governance experience, accelerate large projects and expand industrial cooperation as well as partnership in disaster relief and people's welfare to promote the stable development of bilateral ties.

Sai Mauk Kham said Myanmar attached importance to relations with China, voicing willingness to engage in the "Belt and Road" initiative and boost cooperation in trade, finance, infrastructure, connectivity and agriculture.

When meeting with Laotian Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, Zhang said China is ready to boost the connection between China's "Belt and Road" initiative and Laotian efforts to enhance connectivity in the landlocked nation, highlighting cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, culture and local-level partnership.

Somsavat Lengsavad thanked China for its support and assistance to Laos' economic and social development, expressing willingness to increase mutually beneficial cooperation in infrastructure, economic zone and investment.