River meets up Laos and Cambodia #SMSnotes

River meets up Laos and Cambodia on August 2019 #SMSnotes
he Mekong River forms a natural border between Laos and Cambodia. The Mekong River indeed serves as a boundary between these two countries in certain areas.


One prominent location where the Mekong River acts as a natural border between Laos and Cambodia is the area around the Khone Phapheng Falls, which is part of the Four Thousand Islands region I mentioned earlier.





The Mekong River
These falls are located in southern Laos and mark the border between Laos and Cambodia. The Mekong River splits into multiple channels and cascades over a series of waterfalls, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.





The Mekong River is the longest river in Southeast Asia. The river has a length of approximately 4,900 km, flowing from its source on the Tibetan Plateau in China through Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam via a large delta into the sea.









Laos and Cambodia to Build Friendship Bridge Across Xelamphao River
Another significant area where the Mekong River defines the border between Laos and Cambodia is the northernmost part of Cambodia, near the city of Stung Treng.





Here, the river separates the two countries, and there are various islands and landforms within the river that contribute to the natural border. Laos and Cambodia are to build a bridge crossing the Xelamphao River, connecting Champasack, Laos with Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith met with his Cambodian counterpart, Prak Sokhonn, yesterday, confirming the location of the bridge.





According to the Khmer Times, both countries had initially agreed upon a location, however Laos then requested a review in order to find a more suitable location.
The new location for the bridge was decided upon late last month after a Lao and Cambodian joint working team undertook a field survey.





The bridge, which crosses the Xelamphao River (named the Ropov River in Cambodia) will link Mounlapamok District, Champasack, with Thapeuay sub-district, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. The river currently serves as a border demarcation.





According to a spokesperson of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bridge is to improve connections between the country, boosting trade and tourism for both nations.
Both countries are to cooperate in building the bridge, however the cost of construction is yet to be confirmed.





Mr. Sokhonn and Mr. Kommasith also discussed cross-border drug trafficking. Mr. Sounry said Mr. Sokhonn urged cooperation between both countries against drugs and that Mr. Kommasith agreed fully.