BANGKOK, February 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Myanmar and Thailand have
agreed to cooperate in various areas, including tourism, fishery,
link of land transport, and narcotic suppression, according to a
statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sunday.
   The agreement was reached during a three-day official visit to
Myanmar by Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai which ended
Friday.
   Myanmar agreed with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's
proposal to develop Chiang Mai as a new aviation hub of the Thai
kingdom, linking with Rangoon, Mandaley, and Pukam in Myanmar,
said the statement.
   The two countries agreed on a plan to construct a highway
linking northern Thailand with Myanmar and India, with officials
of the three countries scheduled to meet in Mandaley in April to
further the plan, which will be supported by the Asian Development
Bank (ADB), said the statement.
   Thailand and Myanmar planned to construct a new bridge linking
Mae Sod in Thailand's western province of Tak with Myanmar
Tachilek province. The construction of the bridge is to start soon,
indicated the statement.
   In addition, the two governments signed an agreement on
avoidance of double taxation.
   Also Myanmar acknowledged Thailand's policy of sending illegal
Myanmar workers and immigrants back and pledged not to take legal
actions against those returning.
   Preparation for the upcoming visit to Myanmar by Her Royal
Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had also been made during
Surakiart's February 6-8 visit to Rangoon, according to the
statement.  Enditem