(Phnom Penh): Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Thipadei Khuon Sudary received a courtesy call from Viengthavisone Thephachanh, President of the State Audit Organization (SAO) of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, at the National Assembly Palace on Wednesday morning (Apr. 1).
During the meeting, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary extended a warm welcome to the delegation and noted that the visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos. She stressed that the longstanding ties between the two countries are rooted in “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.”
She underlined that cooperation across party, state, and parliamentary frameworks has delivered tangible results, expanding trade, improving border connectivity, and strengthening people-to-people ties, while adding that the relationship, nurtured across generations, continues to grow on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and shared benefits.
Addressing broader challenges, the national assembly president emphasised the importance of peace and political trust, particularly for smaller nations. “We must respect international law and resolve disputes peacefully,” she said, adding that stability is key to socio-economic development.
On economic cooperation, Samdech pointed to progress across key sectors and reaffirmed the goal of boosting bilateral trade volume to about 700 million U.S. dollars by 2030.
On regional cooperation, she reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, stating that both countries should continue working together to build “a rules-based, people-centred ASEAN community that ensures peace, stability, and sustainable development.”
In response, Viengthavisone Thephachanh expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and commended Cambodia’s rapid development in recent years.
“Phnom Penh has transformed remarkably, reflecting Cambodia’s strong progress and achievements,” he said, adding that Laos highly values Cambodia’s experience in governance and development.
He also noted the longstanding cooperation between the State Audit Organization of Laos and its Cambodian counterpart, adding that both institutions share similar development paths and can further enhance collaboration through knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The SAO President praised Cambodia’s rapid development across all sectors, citing key achievements such as the Techo International Airport and the upcoming second phase of the Techo Funan Canal project, as well as expanding infrastructure to enhance connectivity and economic potential.
Viengthavisone Thephachanh also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Cambodia, particularly in economic development, energy, and institutional capacity, while expressing confidence that continued collaboration will bring mutual benefits to both nations.
In response, President Khuon Sudary highlighted the importance of audit institutions in ensuring good governance, transparency, and accountability, noting that strong institutions are key to sustainable development and public trust.
The president also underscored the importance of strengthening human capital, noting that “long-term development depends on a capable, ethical, and healthy population.” She added, “We want to see our people live in peace, happiness, and prosperity,” stressing that Cambodia and Laos will continue to work together toward shared development goals.
She reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. Both sides agreed on the importance of deepening cooperation, maintaining regional peace and stability, and transforming their shared boundary into a “border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.”
=FRESH NEWS
