Laos and Thailand discuss building a railway bridge across the Mekong River

SGGPO November 1, 2023 16:07

The Foreign Ministers of Laos and Thailand have begun discussions on building a railway bridge across the Mekong River, connecting the Lao capital Vientiane with Nong Khai province in northeastern Thailand.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith (right) welcomes his Thai counterpart Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara in Vientiane. Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN

Lao press on November 1 reported that at the talks between Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara in Vientiane, the two sides discussed the extension of the cross-border railway from Nong Khai to Khamsavath railway station in the capital Vientiane to promote tourism and create easier access to the Laos-China Railway.

According to Xinhua, the two countries' foreign ministers also agreed to encourage relevant sectors of the two countries to consider measures to increase bilateral trade turnover by removing existing trade barriers and creating more favorable conditions for business activities.

The talks also aimed to promote tourism between Laos and Thailand through the use of Khamsavath train station in Vientiane, especially ahead of the expected increase in tourist arrivals during Visit Laos Year 2024.

The next talks will be held to discuss the completion of border demarcation and joint efforts to reduce air pollution in border areas caused by agricultural burning. The two sides will also review many aspects of previous cooperation in the political and security fields, according to The Star.

In addition, the two sides agreed to continue previous commitments and agreements between the two sides, including the Action Plan for the 2022-2026 period on strategic partnership for sustainable growth and development of the two countries.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/lao-va-thai-lan-thao-luan-xay-cau-duong-sat-qua-song-mekong-post712317.html