Thai, Lao authorities confirm close ties at GBC meeting

BANGKOK, February 11 (TNA) - Thai and Lao authorities confirmed close ties between the two neighbouring countries at the 19th Thai-Lao General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting, held in Bangkok on Friday. Thai Defence Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat and visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Douangchay Phichit co-chaired the meeting, at which both sides exchanged opinions and followed up bilateral cooperation and operations. The Thai defence minister told a press conference after the 19th Thai-Lao GBC Meeting, in which Thai Supreme Commander Thanasak Patimaprakorn and Royal Thai Armed Forces chiefs also participated, that both countries confirmed their close relations, saying the recent opening of the 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was part of the evidence of the close ties. The Thai defence minister insisted that problems along the Mekong River, including drug smuggling and illegal immigration, do not affect security or relations of both countries. The 19th Thai-Lao GBC Meeting followed up bilateral cooperation on peace-keeping operations along the common border, including crackdowns on drug and human-traffickings. (TNA)