Laos and Thailand cooperate in power project

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Noppadon Pattama made a brief visit to Laos yesterday to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation with Laos in an electricity development project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Thongloun Sisoulith and Mr Noppadon signed the MoU in Vientiane on Tuesday.

The two nations agreed to allow a private firm to conduct the feasibility study of a proposed project in Koum village, Champassak province, Laos, located on the Mekong River opposite Khong Chiam district in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand.

According to the MoU, the private firm will use its own resources to cover the cost of the study and has to submit its findings to the two governments for further consideration in accordance with the laws of the two nations.

The Lao and Thai governments would not have to use any of their own funds for the project, according to a press release from the Press Department of the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Noppadon received a warm welcome from Dr Thongloun and Lao officials. During their talks, Dr Thongloun expressed his appreciation of the visit by the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs, which he said reflected the fruitful relations and cooperation between the neighboring countries.

Dr Thongloun also informed his guest about preparations for the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Summit, to be held in Vientiane from March 30-31.

Mr Noppadon expressed his thanks for the warm welcome by Dr Thongloun and Lao officials. He also expressed his appreciation of the progression of the GMS preparations.

Mr Noppadon left Laos yesterday after the signing ceremony.