Thailand, Laos agree to promote infrastructure development

Thailand, Laos agree to promote infrastructure development (Photo: teakdoor.com)

Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand and Laos have agreed to promote the development of public infrastructure between the two countries to support connectivity and transportation, including two new bridges over the Mekong River.

The agreement was reached at the 22nd Thailand – Laos Joint Commission meeting under the chair of Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in early November.

According to Arjaree Sriratanaban, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two countries agreed to push for the construction of the fifth bridge connecting Bueng Kan of Thailand and Bolikhamxay province of Laos, and the sixth one connecting Ubon Ratchathani of Thailand and Salavan province of Laos.

Arjaree said the two sides reached an agreement to set up a working committee to further discuss details and regulations regarding the reopening of the land border between Thailand and Laos. This is hoped to strengthen cross-border trade cooperation between the two countries.

During a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on the occasion of his trip to Bangkok to attend the 22nd Thailand – Laos Joint Commission meeting, the Lao Foreign Minister expressed his hope that the two countries will continue to expand post-pandemic cooperation, especially in tourism, railway connectivity, public health, infrastructure investment and border cooperation, for the benefit of the two people.

The Thai side also said that the two countries should strengthen cooperation on legal connectivity and different standards to further facilitate trade, investment as well as transport activities between the two countries./.