Myanmar and Laos have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and jointly conduct a feasibility study on hydropower development along the Mekong River, according to Presidential Office spokesperson Dr Khaing Khaing Soe.
Speaking after President U Min Aung Hlaing’s state visit to Laos from 3–5 July, Dr Khaing Khaing Soe said the two countries also signed agreements on labour cooperation and a Sister City partnership between Nay Pyi Taw and Vientiane.
The two sides discussed launching direct flights between Kengtung and Luang Prabang, expanding cross-border trade, and strengthening cooperation against drug trafficking and online scam operations through information sharing.
Dr Khaing Khaing Soe said the hydropower study could become one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to enhance Myanmar’s energy security, adding that successful joint development would benefit both countries.
She noted that Laos has become a major regional electricity exporter despite having only the Mekong River, while Myanmar has four major rivers with significant hydropower potential that could be developed through bilateral cooperation.
She also described the visit as a milestone in strengthening trust and friendship, saying Myanmar and Laos agreed to deepen their longstanding ties by upgrading them to a strategic partnership.
