Laos’ southernmost province of Champassak and its Thai counterpart Ubon Ratchathani have expressed their commitment to strengthen cooperation on border security.
The commitment was made at the 14th Meeting of the Lao-Thai Border Security Cooperation Committee in Pakse, Champassak Province on Jun 28.
The meeting was co-chaired by Champassak Governor Vilayvong Boudakham and Ubon Ratchathani Governor Pongrat Phiromrat.
Two sides reviewed the implementation of the minutes of the 13th meeting of the Lao-Thai Border Security Cooperation Committee which was held in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand in October 2019.
Both sides described the bilateral cooperation mechanism as a symbol of close cooperation between the two provinces noting that the mechanism reflected efforts made by the two provinces to resolve border issues and promote socio-economic cooperation.
They noted that agreements have been followed to enhance mutual trust between the two countries and make the common border a border of peace, friendship and cooperation for development.
The 14th meeting of the Lao-Thai Border Security Cooperation Committee also discussed strengthening cooperation on embankment protection, tackling crimes along the Mekong River, facilitating the immigration of people between the two countries, drug prevention and control, human trafficking prevention, labour skills training and human resource development.
Joint efforts to combat the smuggling of wildlife and non-timber forest products, and cooperation on health and SME promotion were also discussed at the meeting.
Source: Lao News Agency