Documents on Sino-Lao Cooperation SignedSix important documents, including a joint declaration on the bilateral cooperation between China and Laos were signed Sunday evening in the Presidential Palace in Vientiane.Visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his entourage on the Chinese side, and Lao President Khamtay Siphandone and other high- ranking officials on the Lao side, attended the signing ceremony. Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen and Lao Deputy-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Somsavat Lengsavad inked the joint declaration on behalf of their governments. Five other documents, including those on economic, technical and trade cooperation, on the building of a hospital in Lao Luang Prabang province, on mining and agricultural production cooperation were also singed by responsible members of the related departments of the two governments. After the signing of documents, a traditional Lao "thread-tying " ceremony was staged for the Chinese President and other Chinese guests. Putting their palms together, people present at the ceremony held high a connecting white thread as a way to wish happiness to the Chinese and Lao Presidents and their wives, and among themselves. Also in the afternoon, Jiang and his entourage laid a wreath to the Monument to the Unknown Soldiers in the north of the city, met with members of the Chinese embassy, and representatives of the overseas Chinese, China-funded businesses, teachers and students here. In the evening, President Khamtay gave a banquet to honor President Jiang, during which, Lao artists entertained the guests with excellent performances. Laos is the first leg of Jiang's three-nation Asian tour of Laos, Cambodia and Brunei, where he will attend the 8th Asian- Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Informal Meeting. |
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