Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR on cooperation on COVID-19 control and revitalizing of economic activities through cross-border trade and connectivity.

On 8 June 2021, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, had a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, on the sidelines of the Special ASEAN - China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN - China Dialogue Relations and the 6th Mekong - Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Chongqing, the People’s Republic of China.

The two Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in several areas. These include prevention of illegal border crossings to contain the spread of COVID-19 and measures to stimulate economic recovery in both countries, including harmonization of standards relating to COVID-19 to facilitate more efficient cross-border trade and people exchanges. Both sides exchanged views on ways to promote greater trade and investment flows through better connectivity linking Thailand and the Lao PDR. They also discussed strengthening energy cooperation and jointly tackling cross-border issues, such as transnational organised crimes.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas that would yield tangible benefits for the peoples of the two countries and support economic recovery in both countries. On this occasion, the Foreign Minister of the Lao PDR thanked all relevant sectors in Thailand for their support to the Lao government and its people in coping with the COVID-19 situation in Lao PDR.

The two ministers also exchanged views on global and regional issues of common interest, including equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and other developments in the region.