China and Myanmar on Monday signed 11 agreements on economic and technological cooperation, witnessed by Premier Wen Jiabao and Myanmar Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

The agreements primarily concern trade, energy, mineral exploration, telecommunications and other industries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Wen and Nyunt held talks before the signing ceremonies.

With China and Myanmar enjoying longstanding "paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship, Wen said China is willing to expand cooperation in all sectors.

Bilateral exchanges are necessary as the international situation grows increasingly complex and unstable, the premier said.

Wen praised cooperation along the border against narcotics traffickers and expressed hopes that both countries will build control coordination mechanisms to further check cross-border crime.

Wen promised that China will continue its economic assistance to Myanmar, with a goal of eventually raising Myanmar's capabilities for self-development.

He suggested that both sides expand trade, and choose and implement priority projects.

Nyunt agreed with Wen on strengthening cooperation and expressed his hopes that both countries will move ahead in economic development and trade.

Wen noted that Myanmar's internal affairs should be settled by the Myanmar government and people. He said he hoped Myanmar will speedily settle existing political disputes and move toward democracy to enhance stability and peaceful development.

Nyunt said his government will continue to promote national unity and democratic progress.

(China Daily, China.org.cn July 13, 2004)