During 9 – 10 August 2016, His Excellency Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of  Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic paid an introductory visit to Thailand.

On 10 August 2016, His Excellency Lao PDR Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call on H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister at the Government House where various topics of mutual interest such as the Lao PDR’s role as the Chair of ASEAN in 2016, cooperation on energy, regional connectivity and infrastructure development, labour and sustainable development, with the ultimate goal to bring about prosperity of the peoples of both countries were raised.

Prior to the call on Prime Minister, Lao PDR Foreign Minister paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 9 August 2016. During the meeting, both sides agreed to expedite the commencement of Common Control Area (CCA) at the Mukdahan – Savannakhet Border.  They also determined to solve boundary issues through the Thai-Lao Joint Boundary Committee (JBC), together with fostering understanding of the local residents. The two Foreign Ministers supported cooperation on science and technology to enhance the two countries’ capability in becoming global center for food and agricultural products. On energy cooperation, both sides agreed to increase the volume of electricity to be acquired by Thailand under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from 7,000 to 9,000 MW by 2016. Both sides then discussed regional connectivity and cross-border facilitation. Lao PDR Foreign Minister also congratulated the Thai side on the successful referendum of the draft Constitution which underlines the unity between the Government and the Thai people.     

This visit is helps to generate the momentum of Thai – Lao dynamic and vibrant bilateral relations as well as providing an opportunity for both countries to follow up on the outcome of the discussions between the two Prime Ministers at an official visit of the Prime Minister of the Lao PDR to Thailand during 5 – 6 July 2016.