Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) shakes hands with Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh during the welcoming ceremony Wen hosts for Bouphavanh in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 23, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China and Laos on Thursday signed six deals on cooperation in various fields in a bid to further boost their traditional friendship.

    Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh witnessed the signing ceremony following their one-hour talks at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.

    The six deals involve cooperation in such fields as food safety, loans and aeroplane 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 exchange with each other on how to govern a country for the sake of promoting 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 fruits on jointly fighting 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 here 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. Besides Beijing, Bouasone will also visit Liaoning, Hunan and Yunnan provinces.