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)