(KPL) Prime Minister Sonexay warmly welcomed the Thai delegation and said the visit would contribute to strengthening the long-standing friendship, good-neighbourly relations and Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development between Laos and Thailand.

He expressed appreciation to the Thai Parliament, Government and people for sharing Laos’ grief and sending a special government representative to attend the cremation ceremony of Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR.

Prime Minister Sonexay also expressed sympathy to the Thai people affected by severe flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, which has caused loss of life and extensive property damage.

Both sides noted the continued development of bilateral relations over more than seven decades of diplomatic ties, including regular exchanges of visits by leaders and senior officials. Thailand remains one of Laos’ major trading partners and foreign investors.

Prime Minister Sonexay expressed hope that the 23rd Lao-Thai Joint Commission Meeting, scheduled for October 2 in Luang Prabang Province, would produce practical outcomes and further expand bilateral cooperation.

He highlighted key areas for cooperation, including border security and social order, border surveys and demarcation, economic cooperation, transport connectivity and energy, as well as development cooperation in education, public health, agriculture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak thanked the Lao Government for the warm welcome and reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to implementing bilateral agreements and promoting cooperation that delivers tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak also inspected operations at the Thanaleng Dry Port before travelling to Luang Prabang by the Laos-China Railway to attend the 23rd Joint Commission Meeting.

KPL