China and Laos agreed to expand the cooperation in some key
fields to step up the bilateral relations to a higher level.
China and Laos share huge potential of cooperation in some key
areas such as trade, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and human
resources, Chinese President Hu Jintao told visiting Laotian Prime Minister
Bouasone Bouphavanh when they met on Friday afternoon in downtown
Beijing, according to a press release from the Chinese Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.
The two countries signed six deals, involving cooperation in
such fields as food safety, loans and aeroplane programs, one day
before the meeting.
Hu said that China values its traditional friendship with Laos,
expressing his hope that the growth of the two economies could
supplement each other and the two governments should make joint
efforts to help well implement the contracted projects between the
two sides to benefit the two peoples as soon as possible.
Agreeing with Hu's views, Bouasone said the development of the
bilateral relations not only serves the fundamental interests of
the two peoples, but also helps maintain the regional and world
peace and prosperity.
The Laotian government and its people will continue to support
China's efforts to boost the national economy, and offer their
supports on issues concerning Tibet and human rights, Bouasone
said.
In his meeting with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo, Bouasone said that the expansion of
the cooperation in the trade and economic fields, and cooperation
between enterprises of the two countries was "an inner need" of the
development of bilateral ties.
The Laotian government welcomes Chinese entrepreneurs to
establish businesses in Laos and would offer favorable and
convenient conditions for them, Bouasone promised.
Hailing the progress in the bilateral relations, Wu, chairman of
the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, said
that China will always adhere to the independent foreign policies
of peace, and the development of friendly relations with
neighboring countries is a very important part of the policies.
China will make concerted efforts with Laos to cement the
exchange and cooperation between the two governments, parliaments
and political parties, Wu said, noting that the bilateral relations
should be improved to a higher level and more comprehensive
sphere.
Bouasone arrived in Beijing?Wednesday afternoon, kicking
off a seven-day official visit to China. This is Bouasone's first
official visit to China since taking office in June 2006.
Besides Beijing, the Laotian Prime Minister will also visit Liaoning, Hunan and Yunnan provinces.
(Xinhua News Agency August 25, 2007)
