Thursday, China and Laos signed six cooperation deals in various fields as a supplement to their longstanding friendship.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh witnessed the signing ceremony following their talks at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.
The six deals involve cooperation in such fields as food safety, loans, and airplane programs.
Premier Wen suggested the two countries enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, focusing on areas like agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and mining.
The two countries should jointly push forward Mekong River subregional cooperation and fight against transnational crimes, said Wen.
Wen also hoped the leaders of the two countries could keep close contact and share their views on how promote the social and economic development of both countries.
Bouasone spoke highly of the sound cooperation between Laos and China on education, personnel training and health care, saying the two sides have seen success in their joint efforts to fight transnational crimes and drug.
Bouasone extended thanks for China's consistent assistance, saying the two countries will further cooperation on trade, hydro-power, science and technology, education, and culture.
Bouasone reiterated Laos' adherence to the one-China policy.
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.
The Laotian prime minister is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo on Friday. In addition to Beijing, Bouasone will also visit Liaoning, Hunan and Yunnan provinces.
(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2007)
