(Phnom Penh): Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, held a working meeting with Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, at the Peace Palace, on Saturday (Feb. 7).
The meeting took place during Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s visit to Phnom Penh for the trilateral summit of the Cambodian People’s Party, the Communist Party of Viet Nam, and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, held from 6 to 7 February 2026.
Both leaders praised the steady progress of relations across all levels, underscoring their comprehensive, long-term strategic partnership. They encouraged relevant ministries and institutions to deepen coordination and deliver tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.
The year 2026 marks a special milestone, the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos. In this regard, the two heads of government agreed to jointly organize a wide range of activities and to promote high-level exchanges to celebrate this important occasion.
The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos. To commemorate the milestone, the two sides agreed to jointly organize celebratory activities and enhance high-level exchanges. Planned visits include a state visit to Cambodia by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, and a reciprocal state visit to Vientiane by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.
The two leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas, including politics and diplomacy; trade, investment and banking; agriculture and energy; transport and border connectivity; national defence and security; and joint efforts to combat transnational crime, human trafficking, and online scams. Both sides reiterated their commitment to transforming border areas into zones of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.
Both leaders further discussed accelerating transport infrastructure connectivity to facilitate cross-border trade. Cambodia could ship agricultural products to third countries via Laos, while Laos could use Cambodia as a transit gateway to international markets through Cambodian seaports, supporting Laos’ strategy of becoming a land-linked country.
In the energy sector, both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation to ensure mutual energy security.
In conclusion, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed support for Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit in November and committed to assigning senior Lao officials to participate.
=FRESH NEWS
