Laos, Cambodia open new international border checkpoint
Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen will attend the official opening ceremony of the new Nong Nokkhiane-Trapeang Kriel international border checkpoint on January 10, according to Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 5. The new international border checkpoint will link the Nong Nokkhiane area in Khong district of Champassak province in Laos and the Trapeang Kriel area in Cambodia’s Stung Treng province. The opening of this border makes it the first proper international border checkpoint between Laos and Cambodia, despite foreign nationals being permitted to cross there for some time already. The opening of the international checkpoint follows the agreement between the two governments in April 9, 2009 to upgrade the local border with the aim of providing convenience to people crossing in the area. The inauguration of the international border checkpoint also became an important occasion to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and sought to deepen the longstanding traditional friendship and solidarity between the Lao and Cambodian peoples.
