VIENTIANE, June 2 (Vientiane Times/ANN): Lao and Thai military personnel are strengthening their cooperation in border security in a bid to crack down on crime.
Closer cooperation was discussed when Central Military Officers of the Lao and Thai armies met for talks at the Ministry of National Defence in Vientiane on May 30.
The Lao army was represented by Colonel Ounkham Sivenvongsak, Deputy Director of the Border Guard Department of the Lao People’s Army and Thai Army.
Meeting participants discussed specific areas where close monitoring of illegal migration was needed.
They agreed on the need for close coordination between the central and local levels in monitoring problem areas and resolving issues in these localities and called on higher authorities to ensure that all Lao-Thai border areas are properly managed and secured.
The two sides also agreed to continue to organise reciprocal visits to foster closer cooperation between mid-level military officers for the maintenance of peace and order in Lao-Thai border areas.
The meeting agreed it was necessary to bolster efforts to stem illegal activities in border areas.
This includes putting a stop to human trafficking and illegal cross-border travel by workers, as well as tackling the drug trade and other transnational crimes, prostitution, illegal marriages, and other illicit activities. - Vientiane Times/ANN
