Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Lao Prime Minister Boungnang Vorachit in Vientiane Sunday and the two vowed to forge closer relations between their countries.

The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views in a friendly atmosphere, according to a press release from the Chinese delegation.

During their talks, Wen positively appraised the Sino-Lao bilateral relations.

He said the Sino-Lao relations have developed comprehensively in the past few years and that the two sides trust, equally treat and support each other, and have promoted cooperation in a sincere manner.

"We both feel satisfied with the development of bilateral ties," Wen said.

He pointed out that both China and Laos are implementing an open-up policy and are making much efforts to improve the their economies and their peoples' livelihood.
 
Wen thanked the Lao government for its firm support to China on Taiwan and other issues.

During the talks, Wen stressed that the Chinese government always attaches importance to the Sino-Lao relations and treasures Sino-Lao friendship.

The Chinese government wishes to always remain a good neighbor, good friend, good partner and good comrade of Laos, the premier added.

To further strengthen the Sino-Lao friendship and cooperation, Wen suggested that the two sides:

• Maintain high-level contacts and exchanges to enhance mutual understanding, exchange experiences on statecraft, and coordinate their stances on international and regional issues;
  
• Promote cooperation in such fields as energy, mineral resources, infrastructure construction, facilitate a sound and orderly development of border trade, and forge closer trade and economic cooperation within multilateral frameworks;
  
• Promote multi-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as personnel training, science and technology, tourism, border management, fighting cross-border crimes and drug trafficking; and
  
• Strengthen mutual support and coordination on regional affairs to push ahead with closer ties between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Wen urged an integration of Chinese economic and technical assistance to Laos with improvement of Laos' independent economic development capacity.

Boungnang, for his part, agreed with Wen's appraisal and suggestions on bilateral relations, noting that friendship between Laos and China has been deepened as the two countries broaden and deepen their comprehensive cooperation.

He expressed appreciation at Chinese assistance in such fields as trade, investment, education and personnel training, praising its important role in Laos' economic and social development.

Laos hopes to further strengthen the cooperation with China on agriculture, science and technology, mining, investment, and the construction of hydropower and telecommunications facilities, Boungnang said.

He said Laos would continue to cooperate with China on international and regional affairs and contribute to the development of ASEAN-China relations.

Boungnang reiterated the Lao government's adherence to the one-China policy and its firm support for China's great cause of reunification.

After their meeting, Wen and Boungnang attended the signing ceremony of five bilateral documents, including one on economic and technical cooperation between the two governments.

Wen arrived in Vientiane earlier in the day for his first official visit as Chinese premier to Laos. He will also attend a series of ASEAN meetings here.

(Xinhua News Agency November 29, 2004)