(Kuala Lumpur): Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors for the mutual benefit of their countries and peoples.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held a working breakfast with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Monday (Oct. 27) on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Taking this occasion, the prime ministers of Viet Nam and Laos congratulated the signing of the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The leaders of the three countries exchanged updates on ongoing developments and priorities related to trilateral cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade, tourism, security, and national defence.

They agreed to further strengthen and expand connectivity cooperation, particularly in transport links, electricity supply, and digital payments. Regarding Laos, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet encouraged the relevant authorities of both sides to expedite the selection of the location for the construction of a bridge crossing the Mekong-Sekong River. With Viet Nam, he called on the relevant authorities of both countries to accelerate the mapping of Phnom Penh–Bavet Expressway and the Ho Chi Minh City–Moc Bai Expressway connections.

On tourism, the three leaders agreed and tasked the Tourism ministers of the three countries to continue discussions to promote cooperation under the framework of “Three Countries, One Destination.” Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasised the important role of the private sector in boosting regional tourism cooperation.

Before concluding, Samdech Thipadei expressed appreciation to Viet Nam and Laos for their previous support and participation in the Interim Observer Team (IOT), and expressed hope for their continued engagement in the ASEAN Observer Team mechanism (AOT).
=FRESH NEWS