Leaders of Myanmar and Laos have pledged to further the existing friendly relations and close cooperation between the two countries, saying that the move will not only bring about tangible results but also further strengthen the international and regional peace, stability and development.
Myanmar President U Thein Sein and visiting Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong made the pledge in their discussions held in Nay Pyi Taw Monday.
The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, security cooperation along the Mekong basin, border region peace and stability, seeking ways to promote bilateral trade, bilateral cooperation in culture, tourism, religious affairs and education, and mutual cooperation in international and regional issues.
Besides, they also exchanged views on the efforts of Laos for the success of poverty alleviation and rural development in accordance with the 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals and transforming the nation into an industrialized one in 2020 and Myanmar's efforts for implementation of the eight tasks for rural development and poverty alleviation.
The Myanmar president praised Laos for its successful election and formation of a new government and the holding of the Southeast Asian Games, while the Lao prime minister expressed Laos' strong support for Myanmar's efforts to host the 4th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit at the end of 2011, 27th SEA Games in 2013 and 25th ASEAN Summits in 2014.