The two PMs say additional crossing points on their shared border will facilitate commerce and tourism and also make it easier to police. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Cambodian spokesperson Ieng Sophalet explained that the exact locations for the checkpoints had not been decided at the meeting and would be announced at a later date.
There are currently two official crossing points between the two counties. One is a river checkpoint at Koh Chheuteal Thom and accessible from the Four Thousand Islands archipelago in southern Laos. The other is a road crossing at Veunkham. The nearest town of any size on the Cambodian side is Krong Stung Treng. The image of Veunkham Checkpoint was provided by Neshamayin.
Although Ieng Sophalet did not elucidate on the proposed locations of the new checkpoints, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry has already stated that a new river bridge will be built between the two nations. It will span the River Ropov and provide better road connections to and from Champasak Province in Laos.
Cambodia and Laos agree to increase cross border options
News in Asia
The prime-ministers of Laos and Cambodia have agreed to increase the number of official checkpoints on their common border. Cambodian leader Hun Sen met with his opposite number, Thongloung Sisoulith, in Phnom Penh early last week to discuss the issue.