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.