Laos reaffirms support for Myanmar's democratization efforts

Laos has reaffirmed its support for Myanmar's democratization and national reconciliation efforts, state media reported Tuesday.

Visiting Lao President Choummaly Sayasone made the remarks when he met with his Myanmar counterpart U Thein Sein shortly after his arrival in Nay Pyi Taw Monday on a state visit to Myanmar.

On the occasion, the two leaders discussed promoting bilateral relations and cooperation in boosting border trade,forest, agriculture and livestock breeding sectors, enhancing rural development, poverty alleviation, and education, as well as forming direct air link between the two countries to promote tourism, the report said.

The two leaders also touched on anti-drug traffickingand border security, the report added.

Choummaly's visit to Myanmar, the second since 2007, is reciprocal to a trip of Vientiane by his Myanmar counterpartU Thein Sein in March 2012.

As part of their efforts to facilitate and enhance road connectivity, Myanmar and Laos have started building Mekong River- Crossing Friendship Bridge since February this year to link Louangnamtha province of Laos and Kengluk, Tachilek of Myanmar's Shan state under an agreement signed in March 2012..

The bridge, 690 meters long and8.5 meters wide with two-lane motor way, has been completed by 35 percent, according to the report.

Upon completion of the bridge by March 2015,the two countries will see smooth and speedy road transportation and the bridge will contribute towards swift flow of commodities and better economic development.

Myanmar and Laos, sharing border of over 230 km, established diplomatic relations in 1955.