Vientiane (VNA) - Laos and Thailand have jointly held the 13th Laos-Thailand Local Border Coordination meeting (Vientiane - Nong Khai) at the First Lao–Thai Friendship Bridge in Thailand’s Nong Khai province, according to the Vientiane Mai newspaper.
At the January 28 meeting, the two sides briefed each other on recent activities and exchanged views on a range of key issues, including ensuring that measures against illegal entry and exit are conducted in accordance with the laws of both countries, preventing illicit drug trafficking, and strengthening close coordination at all levels in border inspections to jointly safeguard security, safety and order in their respective border areas.
The two sides agreed to continue taking turns to review experience and further consolidate cooperative ties during rotations in leading joint patrols; to step up exchanges of visits and study tours between the two militaries; and to focus on substantive cooperation in addressing potential emerging issues. Priorities include preventing and combating illegal labour trafficking, human trafficking, drug-related crimes, smuggling, high-tech crime and other unlawful activities.
To ensure security, safety and order in border areas, Laos and Thailand regularly take turns hosting border coordination meetings ahead of each round of joint patrols. This mechanism helps ensure the effectiveness and safety of joint patrol operations, reflects the strong cooperative relationship between the two countries, and contributes to building a peaceful, friendly and jointly developing border./.
