Laos and Myanmar build a friendship bridge across the Mekong River.

Laos and Myanmar have officially begun construction of a friendship bridge across the Mekong River.

Myanmar's "New Light" newspaper reported on February 19th that construction began on both ends of the bridge last weekend.

Mekong River. (Source: news.gov.vn)

This is a suspension bridge, made primarily of steel, connecting Louangnamtha province in Laos with Kengluk region in Shan State, Myanmar.

According to the design drawings, the bridge is 691.6m long, 8.5m wide, divided into two lanes, and has a load capacity of 75 tons.

Once completed and put into operation, the bridge will facilitate easier trade and help boost economic development between the two countries.

Furthermore, the construction of this bridge will also help enhance security and rescue capabilities on the Mekong River through joint coordinated operations.

The two countries agreed to build this bridge during Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong's visit to Myanmar in July 2011.

According to (VNA) - DT