Laos, Thailand Step Up Cooperation in Border Security

Source: Vientiane Times
The governors of Saravan​ province and its neighboring Thai province, Ubon Ratchathani, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the maintenance of security along the provinces’ shared border.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation concerning border crossing by residents of the two provinces and other individuals, patrolling of waterways, and cooperation in preventing drug trafficking.

The two provinces will also step up cooperation to combat human trafficking and encourage more shared economic activities and cooperation in health matters.

The MOU was signed in Saravan province last week by the Governor of Saravan province, Dr. Daovong Phonekeo, who is chairman of the Saravan Provincial Cooperation Committee, and the Governor of Ubon Ratchathani province, Mr. Chonlatee Yangtrong.

Enhanced cooperation between the two provinces is a symbol of their close relationship and an indication of their shared desire to tackle the problems that occur along their border, while socioeconomic cooperation between the two localities is all the while improving.

Cooperation between Laos and Thailand is also strengthening in other areas. Last year, Champassak province stepped up cooperation with Ubon Ratchathani province in the maintenance of security along the provinces’ shared border.

The two countries are continually working to jointly strengthen border security to ensure their shared border is an area of friendship and development cooperation and creates peace and stability.