(Phnom Penh): On the morning of 26 January 2026, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, received a courtesy call from Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, at the Peace Palace.

During the meeting, the Lao minister expressed his deep gratitude to Samdech Thipadei for granting him and his delegation a courtesy call. He also thanked the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the warm welcome, noting that it reflects the high level of importance attached to Cambodia–Laos cooperation.

The minister informed Samdech Thipadei that over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, cooperation has steadily advanced. He noted that his visit coincided with the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Cambodia-Laos diplomatic ties.

Taking advantage of the occasion, the minister indicated that the delegation aimed to achieve two main objectives: first, to discuss the implementation of prior agreements aimed at enhancing agricultural production, animal husbandry, and forest conservation; and second, to promote cooperation in the transport of Cambodian agricultural products through Laos to third-country markets.

He further informed Samdech Thipadei that the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries had reached an agreement on transit cooperation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that this collaboration delivers tangible and timely results, while further strengthening and expanding cooperation with Cambodia in the agriculture and environmental sectors.

In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet extended a warm welcome to the minister and his delegation. He underscored the significance of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and expressed his satisfaction with the steady progress of bilateral cooperation.

The prime minister noted that agriculture remains a top priority for the Royal Government of Cambodia, particularly in ensuring food security.

Given the geographical proximity and similarities between the two countries, he highlighted the strong potential to further expand agricultural cooperation, comparable to achievements in other sectors such as security, defence, energy and trade.

Before concluding, Samdech Thipadei encouraged the Ministries of Agriculture of both countries to accelerate procedures for the transport of Cambodian agricultural products through Laos to third countries. He expressed optimism that this cooperation agreement would yield mutual benefits for the peoples of both nations.
=FRESH NEWS