On 16 January 2009, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya paid an official visit to the Lao P.D.R. as guest of Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Foreign Minister Kasit met with Dr. Thongloun and paid a courtesy on Mr. Bouasone Bouphavanh, Prime Minister of the Lao P.D.R. Gist of their discussions are as follows:
- Prime Minister Bouasone confirmed Lao P.D.R.’s readiness to participate in the 14th ASEAN Summit to be held in Hua Hin during 27 February — 1 March 2009, as well as the ASEAN +3 and ASEAN + 6 Summits to be held in Thailand.
- Both side agreed to convene the 15th Joint Commission for bilateral cooperation (JC) in March 2009 in Luang Prabang.
- Both sides expressed satisfaction on the progress of the demarcation of the land boundary between the two countries, with more than 90 percent completed. Both sides hoped to complete the demarcation this year and that of the maritime boundary by 2010. The Thai side will host the 9th Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) later this year.
- The Thai side appreciated the Lao P.D.R.’s decision to open a permanent crossing point at Houaykone as an international crossing point on 21 December 2008. The Thai side also encouraged the Lao P.D.R. side to open other crossing points to help promote trade, tourism and travel between the two countries.
- Foreign Minister Kasit confirmed Thailand’s support for the development projects on transportation networks in the Lao P.D.R., namely 1. The Thai-Lao railway (Nongkhai-Thanaleng) 2. The third Mekong River bridge (Nakorn Phanom- Khammouan) 3. The fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Chiangkhong- Huai Sai). The Thai side would consider the Lao P.D.R.’s request for support on the phase II railway project linking Thanaleng with Vientiane, and other road construction projects.
- On the Hmong issue, both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work of the General Border Committee (GBC) in addressing the issue.
- Both sides agreed to expedite the issue of Lao P.D.R. workers in Thailand, particularly on labor rights and protection.
- The Thai side informed the Laotian side of its policy on encouraging Thai investors to invest in the Lao P.D.R. while practicing corporate social responsibility (CSR)
- Both sides mutually agreed on the “School for Friendship” project, a collaborative endeavour between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries.
- The Lao P.D.R. appreciated Thailand’s support for hosting the 25th SEA Games in December 2009. In this connection, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand will extend financial support of up to 90 million baht for the Lao P.D.R. to renovate the sport stadium and train its personnel.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
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