ID :
42319
Fri, 01/23/2009 - 14:15
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http://m.oananews.org//node/42319
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Thai PM begins first official visit to Lao PDR
BANGKOK, Jan 23 (TNA) - Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Friday kicked off an official visit to the Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), his first official visit since assuming office last December, aiming at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, according to a statement issued by the Thai Foreign Ministry.
Before departing Bangkok Mr. Abhisit said that he hoped his visit will help foster improved bilateral relations and cooperation.
The one-day official visit marks the first of the premier's customary introductory visits to fellow member countries of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN), at the invitation of his Laotian counterpart, Bouasone Bouphavanh.
Among the Thai premier's entourage is Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda.
Thailand as the current chair of ASEAN is scheduled to host the regional group summit in the resort town of Hua Hin February 27-March 1.
High on the agenda of the two leaders' bilateral talks are cooperation on energy and electricity, trade and investment, transport network development and Lao labour to be employed in Thailand.
The talks will focus on securing further cooperation for tangible results that will bring benefits to people of the two countries and the region, the statement said.
Thailand is presently Lao PDR's leading trading partner with bilateral trade reaching Bt 60 billion in 2007. Thailand is also a major foreign investor in Laos, investing US$1.3 billion in 169 projects during the period 2001-2008, according to the ministry.
The Thai premier will also pay a courtesy call on Thongsing Thammavong, President of the Lao National Assembly.
Mr. Abhisit is scheduled to lay the foundation stone at the Thai-Lao Friendship Sports Arena funded with Thai government financial support of Bt90 million. It will be the primary venue for the 25th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) hosted by Laos this year.
The Thai prime minister will meet Thai investors in Vientiane before returning to Bangkok Friday evening. (TNA)
Before departing Bangkok Mr. Abhisit said that he hoped his visit will help foster improved bilateral relations and cooperation.
The one-day official visit marks the first of the premier's customary introductory visits to fellow member countries of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN), at the invitation of his Laotian counterpart, Bouasone Bouphavanh.
Among the Thai premier's entourage is Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda.
Thailand as the current chair of ASEAN is scheduled to host the regional group summit in the resort town of Hua Hin February 27-March 1.
High on the agenda of the two leaders' bilateral talks are cooperation on energy and electricity, trade and investment, transport network development and Lao labour to be employed in Thailand.
The talks will focus on securing further cooperation for tangible results that will bring benefits to people of the two countries and the region, the statement said.
Thailand is presently Lao PDR's leading trading partner with bilateral trade reaching Bt 60 billion in 2007. Thailand is also a major foreign investor in Laos, investing US$1.3 billion in 169 projects during the period 2001-2008, according to the ministry.
The Thai premier will also pay a courtesy call on Thongsing Thammavong, President of the Lao National Assembly.
Mr. Abhisit is scheduled to lay the foundation stone at the Thai-Lao Friendship Sports Arena funded with Thai government financial support of Bt90 million. It will be the primary venue for the 25th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) hosted by Laos this year.
The Thai prime minister will meet Thai investors in Vientiane before returning to Bangkok Friday evening. (TNA)
