Laos supports Burma proposal for Asean summit arrangements

Originally appeared in Asia News Network

January 13, 2011

Laos has supported Burma’s proposal to switch the scheduled hosting of the Asean Summit in 2014, with Laos to instead hold the regional summit in 2016.

Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong expressed Lao support for the proposal, made by Burmese foreign affairs minister Nyan Win during a courtesy call to the premier yesterday (January 12) at his office.

Minister Win led a delegation from Burma to visit Laos to participate in the 10th Meeting of the Laos-Myanmar Join Commission (10th JC meeting) on Bilateral Cooperation between the two neighbours, which took place from January 9-10 in the southern province of Champassak.

Win informed the Lao PM of the internal situation in his country, particularly the outcomes of the general election in Burma, which took place on November 7 last year.

Win touched upon preparation0s for the upcoming session of parliament, which will approve the outcomes of the election and pave the way for the forming of the new government’s cabinet.

Win also informed Thongsing of the outcomes of the 10th JC Meeting, where both sides reviewed their previous cooperation commitments and outlined future roadmaps to enhance friendly relations and cooperation.

The Lao PM congratulated Win on the successful outcomes of the 10th JC Meeting and expressed appreciation for the visit by the minister, saying it contributed to further enhancing the traditional friendly relations and close cooperation between the two neighbours.

He proposed that Burma work closely with Laos to implement the minutes of the 10th JC Meeting to bring greater benefits to the peoples of both nations.

The premier spoke highly of the growing friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Burma, especially in regards to politics, which is reflected by the regular exchange visits by high-level delegations from both sides.

Also, bilateral cooperation to secure the shared border area has created ‘a peaceful and cooperative border region’. Prime Minister Thongsing proposed both sides explore possible options for the planned construction of a Laos-Burma Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River to boost bilateral economic cooperation.

The Lao government remains confident that the new government of Burma will continue implementing a policy of good neighbourly relations with Laos, as well as strengthening solidarity and friendship with other Asean member countries, the premier said.

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Tags: ASEAN, ASEAN Summit, Laos

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Laos supports Burma proposal for Asean summit arrangements

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