Lao DPM visits Thailand

BANGKOK, February 22. (TNA) - Lao Deputy Prime Minister Bounthong Chitmany is paying a visit to Thailand to discuss bilateral cooperation between Vientiane and Bangkok, focusing on joint anti-corruption moves. Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha welcomed and held talks with the visiting Lao deputy prime minister, who is also President of the Lao State Inspection and Anti-Corruption Authority (SIAA), at Bangkok's Government House on Thursday. Deputy Government Spokesman Lieutenant General Werachon Sukondhapatipak told journalists after the meeting of the two leaders, aimed mainly to exchange information and experiences on anti-corruption, that both sides stressed and agreed on the importance of joint Thai-Lao moves against corruption. The deputy spokesman stated that the Thai prime minister affirmed on his government's policy on anti-corruption in all dimensions and will continue assigning Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) as its main arm to actively work together with Lao PDR's SIAA. According to the deputy spokesman, the Thai prime minister also expressed his hope that the Thai NACC and the Lao SIAA will keep enhancing their anti-corruption cooperation in all levels, including bilateral, multilateral and regional levels, for the sake of more concrete results, while the visiting Lao deputy prime minister acknowledged that the Thai NACC and the Lao SIAA are not only key and efficient bilateral mechanisms against corruption, but also a.cross-border network to strengthen the Thai-Lao friendship. On the occasion, the Thai prime minister expressed his appreciation to the close relations between Thailand and Lao PDR, while the visiting Lao deputy prime minister also stressed on strong bilateral relations over the past 67 years, which, he noted, should be maintained on the sustainable basis. Prime Minister General Prayut also wants Thailand and Lao PDR to grow "stronger together" with "no one left behind", said the deputy spokesman.(TNA)