Laos-Thailand Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation on River Management

Vientiane: Mr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao PDR, in his capacity as Chairman of the Lao National River Committee and member of the International River Commission for Laos, recently led a delegation to meet with Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Chairman of the Thai National River Committee, member of the International River Commission for Thailand, and Chairman of the International River Commission for 2025. According to Lao News Agency, during the meeting, both sides discussed cooperation in conserving and sustainably developing river basins and managing water resources. They also reviewed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, placing particular emphasis on coordination in preventing and responding to natural disasters, especially floods, and in managing water discharge from hydroelectric dams. The Lao delegation also visited the Institute of Science and Technology of Thailand to exch ange experiences on water resource management, administration, and technological innovation. Both sides shared lessons on applying new technologies to agricultural development, with a focus on research cooperation to enhance Lao agricultural products. Special attention was given to developing commercial goods, particularly the cultivation and production of crispy river weed (Luang Prabang) of the Lao PDR.