Lao, Myanmar presidents highly value bilateral ties

The visit aimed to enhance the tradition of friendship and cooperative relations between the two countries based on the principle of mutual benefits. 

This is Bounnhang's first visit to Myanmar in his capacity as president and his third trip to a foreign country after being elected Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and president of Laos earlier this year. He previously visited Vietnam and China. 

Following his arrival in Myanmar, the two presidents met for talks during which both said they highly appreciated and valued the outcomes of the bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries over past years. 

According to a report in the Global New Light of Myanmar, the two sides discussed the promotion of peace and stability in border regions, and the repair of damage to border posts caused by severe weather conditions. 

Additionally they discussed resumption of Vientiane-Yangon and Luang Prabang-Bagan direct flights, reviews of existing agreements between the two countries and matters relating to support for each other in the regional and international arenas. 

Next, the two presidents witnessed the signing of an agreement on the management of the first Laos-Myanmar Friendship Bridge linking the two countries across the Mekong River. The agreement was signed by Lao Foreign Affairs Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and Myanmar Foreign Affairs Minister Aung San Suu Kyi. 

The US$26 million (Bt909 million) bridge, which links Myanmar's Tachileik in eastern Shan State to Laos’ Luang Namtha province, was inaugurated last year by the then-presidents of both countries. The bridge was opened in May 2015. 

During their talks, the two sides also agreed to pursue the agreements reached by the Laos-Myanmar, Myanmar-Laos Joint Commission for Cooperation at its 11th meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw in March last year and the agreements reached during a state visit to Laos made by U Htin Kyaw in May this year. 

The two sides also discussed the promotion of trade, investment, education, tourism cooperation and the cooperation ties between the two countries.