The second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, which was officially opened on Tuesday, reflects the extent of the strategic partnership and close relations between the two countries, according to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The opening of the bridge over the Moei River -- known in Myanmar as Tong Yin -- which links Tak's Mae Sot district with the town of Myawaddy in Myanmar, was attended by Gen Prayut and Myanmar's State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Gen Prayut said he was honoured to have jointly inaugurated the friendship bridge, which he said underscores the close relationship between the two countries.
"This is a form of strategic partnership between two close neighbours who share mutual interests," said Gen Prayut, who also said the bridge will serve as a new transport channel that will spur the development of both countries' economies.
Last year, trade across the the Mae Sot checkpoint was valued at above 80 billion baht.
The premier said officials from both countries must continue to work closely to promote better understanding between both nations.
Gen Prayut said the bridge will bolster this country's transport and logistics development plan, which is outlined under five different international cooperation frameworks -- namely the Greater Mekong Subregion project, the Asean Economic Community, the Ayeyawaddy-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, as well as a bilateral cooperation agreement between Thailand and Myanmar.
At Tuesday's opening ceremony, Gen Prayut and Ms Suu Kyi went to the middle of the bridge to have their photos taken as they officially opened the bridge to cross border traffic.
Deputy government spokesman, Lt Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak, said the two leaders were glad that both countries have taken steps to further their bilateral strategic partnership, and they believe the bridge will improve connectivity and strengthen ties between the two nations across many different areas of cooperation.
The bridge was estimated to have cost about 4 billion baht to construct.
The prime minister, said the deputy spokesman, also held talks with Ms Suu Kyi and sought Myanmar's cooperation to help mitigate the impacts of cross-border pollution.
Ms Suu Kyi agreed the dust issue has to be urgently addressed, and she has promised to instruct Myanmar's Environment Ministry to deal with it, said Lt Gen Werachon.