Bolikhamxay, Bueng Kan Strengthen Cooperation for Peaceful Laos-Thailand Border

Cooperation to maintain peace and stability along the border between Laos and Thailand has been reaffirmed. On July 17, the 7th Meeting of the Joint Border Security and Order Committee, held in Bueng Kan Province, Thailand, saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bolikhamxay Province, Laos, and Bueng Kan Province, Thailand, aimed at deepening cooperation in the border region. The meeting was co-chaired by Khamfoen Panyanouvong, Governor of Bolikhamxay Province, and Suraphon Charoenphum, Governor of Bueng Kan Province, with senior officials from both sides in attendance. The two delegations reviewed the implementation of agreements reached during the committee's sixth meeting, held in Bolikhamxay Province in February 2023. They noted that bilateral cooperation has continued to deepen, with cross-border trade, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts expanding steadily, while issues arising along the border have been addressed promptly through close coordination. Furthermore, views were exchanged on strengthening future cooperation, reaffirming their shared commitment to transforming the common border into an area of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation, and sustainable development. To further advance bilateral cooperation, the two sides agreed to prioritize seven areas: 1. Maintaining peace, security, and public order along the border in line with existing Laos-Thailand bilateral agreements. 2. Facilitating safe and convenient cross-border travel. 3. Strengthening cooperation in combating illegal drugs. 4. Enhancing joint management of issues related to the Mekong River. 5. Expanding cooperation across various sectors. 6. Improving coordination on transnational issues. 7. Promoting other areas of mutual cooperation. The meeting concluded with the signing of the MoU in both Lao and Thai, with both language versions carrying equal legal validity. On the same day, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with Thailand’s Minister of Energy, Eknat Prompan, reaffirming the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Additionally, on July 15, Laos and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between their supreme prosecutorial authorities, focusing on judicial collaboration, personnel development, and combating cross-border crime. Laos has called for stronger international cooperation and increased support for vulnerable developing countries to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Domestically, President Thongloun Sisoulith urged Lao media to strengthen professionalism, credibility, and innovation, urging journalists to serve as a trusted voice for the public while countering misinformation in an increasingly complex digital landscape.