Laos, Thailand agree to fight drug trade, boost connectivity

Fighting drug and human trafficking as well as boosting connectivity and economic cooperation are among the most significant agreements reached by Laos and Thailand at their latest meeting.
Hanoi (VNA) – Fighting drug andhuman trafficking as well as boosting connectivity and economic cooperation areamong the most significant agreements reached by Laos and Thailand at theirlatest meeting.

This was the outcome of the 21st Meeting of the Lao-Thai Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation held inPakxe district, Champassak province, on February 6, according to VientianeTimes.

Chaired by Lao Minister of Foreign AffairsSaleumxay Kommasith and his Thai counterpart Don Pramudwinai, the meetingdiscussed key bilateral issues and ways to enhance mutually-beneficialcooperation in major areas.

The two sides agreed to enhance informationand intelligence exchange, and strengthen patrol operations along theirrespective borders in order to combat drug trafficking.

They also supported the outcome of the 16th Laos-Thailand Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation to fight againstillicit drugs, according to the Lao Foreign Minister.

Additionally, the two nations agreed tocontinue with border surveys and demarcation, seeking to complete land borderdemarcation in 2020 and the demarcation of river boundaries in 2021.

The two sides have carried out surveys and defineda location parallel to the first Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge in Vientianefor the building of another bridge across the Mekong River to accommodate arailway.-VNA
VNA

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