Lao FM visits Thailand Aug 9-10

BANGKOK, August 10 (TNA) - Newly-appointed Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith is paying a two-day official visit to Thailand, scheduled for August 9-10, aimed to introduce himself and strengthen bilateral relations between Lao PDR and Thailand. Accompanied by his entourage, the visiting Lao foreign minister paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha at Bangkok's Government House on Wednesday morning. During the meeting, the visiting Lao foreign minister conveyed greeting and best wishes of Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith to his Thai counterpart, as well as extended his congratulations to the Thai government on last Sunday's successful referendum, in which the majority of Thai voters approved the country's new Constitution draft. The visiting Lao foreign minister also said that Vientiane has supported Thailand's ongoing roadmap on national reform toward a new general election, pointing out that Thailand's peace and order and prosperity are also major factors to help cushion Lao PDR's national development. The Thai prime minister, in turn, congratulated the visiting Lao foreign minister on taking his new office and expressed his confidence in the newly-appointed Lao foreign minister's key roles in further enhancing bilateral relations between Vientiane and Bangkok. On the occasion, both sides agreed that bilateral relations between Lao PDR and Thailand are at a peak, and that joint attempts will be continued to further enhance two-way ties and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. (TNA)