Photo : Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone and Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra inspect guard of honour in Vientiane today.
Thailand and Laos have committed to working together on major issues, including solving the drug problem, online fraud and scams, human trafficking, cross-border haze, and water management in the Mekong River.
Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra said both countries would set up joint working groups to address these issues, with both foreign ministries following up on their progress.
She was speaking in Vientiane on the first day of her official visit to Laos after holding bilateral discussions with Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone and Saysomphone Phomvihane, president of the National Assembly.
She also paid a courtesy call on Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith.
This is the first official overseas visit of the Thai premier since taking office last month.
Thai PM’s advisor Jirayu Houngsub quoted Paetongtarn during a welcome dinner hosted by the Laos government, as saying Thailand and Laos have enjoyed a long-standing excellent relationship as neighbors.
The Thai PM emphasised her government’s commitment to strengthening ties in all aspects for the benefit of the countries and their peoples.
She also expressed satisfaction with the special bilateral relations, highlighting the closeness in language and culture, which allows both peoples to communicate without the need for interpreters.
Photo : Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra shakes hands with Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane.
Both countries have comprehensive transportation and infrastructure networks, particularly the Bangkok-Vientiane railway service, which is the first in ASEAN to connect the capitals of two countries.
This route has facilitated trade, investment, and tourism, bringing the peoples of both nations closer together, according to Jirayu. Next year, Thailand and Laos will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with events planned to mark the occasion.
From tomorrow until Friday, Paetongtarn will attend the ASEAN summits and related meetings, held under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience.”
She will also participate in discussions with ASEAN leaders and dialogue partners, including China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, the US, and Canada, on issues of mutual interest, such as strengthening the ASEAN Community and promoting cooperation with external partners, as well as addressing regional and international situations.
Photos : Ing Shinawatra's Facebook page
