In early 2017, the Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen officially opened the new Nong Nokkhiane-Trapeang Kriel international border checkpoint.
Assisting freedom of movement within the region, the new checkpoint will benefit travelers on multi-country itineraries. The crossing links 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. The inauguration of the international border checkpoint also became an important occasion to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
There have also been discussions taking place between Laos and Cambodia to build a 145 metre bridge across the Xe Lam Phao River in Mounlapamok district, Champassak province of Laos to connect to northern Cambodia. A 78 kilometre road linking Mounlapamok district to the Xe Lam Phao Bridge is also planned, according to the agreement between the two countries’ prime ministers in June 2016.
