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)