Laos and Myanmar further cooperation on border affairs

VIENTIANE,25 FEB (KPL) - The 9th meeting of the central Lao-Myanmar border authorities held in Vientiane on 23 February has agreed to increase cooperation on border issues in a bid to maintain security and address any unpredicted issues that might arise along the shared border.
The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Lao-Myanmar Border Committee, Mr Bounkeuth Sangsomsack, and his Myanmar counterpart, Mr Maung Myint.
The meeting discussed and exchanged information on various issues regarding the shared border. It also agreed to let local border committees on both sides to increase coordinated action and information exchanges so as to address any issues in a timely manner.
The two sides assessed progress made in implementing the outcomes of their last meeting held in Myanmar in November 2008. The areas evaluated include the navigation along the Mekong River, cooperation on combating drug-related issues and renovation of border marks.
They are also committed to further improving cooperation along the border.
The sides agreed the shared border area is fundamentally secure and facilitates people-to-people exchanges and socio-economic development efforts on both sides.
This contributes to enhancing the relations and overall cooperation between the two nations.
Laos and Myanmar share 236 km of the Mekong River as a border, with 86 markers in place indicating the
boundary.