Vietnamese PM to improve relations

Vietnamese PM to improve relations

HANOI (AP): Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai will visit
Thailand, Myanmar and Laos this week to boost ties with the
country's Southeast Asian neighbors, the prime minister's office
said on Monday.

Khai will hold talks with Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai on
Tuesday on the first leg of the trip, a three-day visit to
Thailand. The two sides are expected to sign agreements on visa
exemptions and on sports cooperation.

He will fly directly to Yangon on Friday for a three-day
visit, including talks with Myanmar leaders including the
chairman of the ruling military council, Gen. Than Shwe, who is
also prime minister.

This is Khai's first official visit to the three countries
since taking office in 1997.