Thailand and Laos on May 19 agreed to resolve border-related problems as well as to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism and agriculture at the second Thai-Lao Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR) in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai.

According to MCOT online news, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong told a press conference after the meeting that the two neighbouring countries agreed to boost cross-border cooperation, improve related procedures and consider the implementation of e-customs procedures.

The two nations also will jointly tackle problems related to drugs and human trafficking.

In addition, Thailand and Laos will also bolster agriculture and tourism by linking Highway Routes No 8 and No 12 to facilitate further trade and investment.

Regarding the high-speed rail network linking Thailand, Laos and China, Thailand was ready to host a tripartite meeting among representatives of the three countries.

The implementation of the Thailand-Laos single visa agreement under the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) framework or ‘ACMECS Single Visa' scheme is also being considered by both countries.

Lao Prime Minister Thongsing hailed the meeting as a success, saying that the retreat resulted in cooperation in various categories--- cross border issues, border trade and human trafficking.

The two premiers also witnessed the signing of the Second Thai-Lao JCR statement, a memorandum of understanding on maintenance and management of the 4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linking Chiang Rai’s Chiang Khong district with Houay Xay in Laos and another MoU on agricultural cooperation.-VNA