Thai Prime Minister visits Laos and Cambodia

BANGKOK, Feb 29 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej began a series of visits to introduce himself and his government's policies to ASEAN member countries with a trip to the neighbouring countries of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and the Kingdom of Cambodia from February 29 through March 4.

PM Samak and his entourage left Bangkok Friday morning for Vientiane to visit Laos between February 29-March 1 to strengthen diplomatic relations and cooperation with Thailand's neighbour.

Mr. Samak and his Lao counterpart Bouasone Bouphavanh were scheduled to hold bilateral talks regarding road links and energy cooperation.

The prime minister will also discuss with senior Lao officials current concerns in Thai foreign policy to have close links with ASEAN member countries.

He was also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Lao President Choummaly Sayasone.

On Saturday morning, Mr. Samak will meet Thai officials and the locally resident Thai community at the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane.

The prime minister will return to Bangkok Saturday afternoon and the second leg of his ASEAN neighbour visits starts Monday with a visit to Cambodia.

Mr. Samak and his delegation will leave for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, early Monday morning.

Thai Prime Minister and Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia, will co-chair a bilateral meeting in the late afternoon, and Mr.Samak will fly back to Thailand on Tuesday. (TNA)-E003

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