Vientiane (FN), Feb. 7 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodian Senate President, expressed his hope that future leaders of Cambodia and Laos would follow the example of their predecessors in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen engaged in working discussions with Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, on 6 February 2025 in Vientiane, Laos.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone warmly welcomed Samdech Techo and his delegation, expressing his pleasure at meeting him again following his official visit to Cambodia in December 2024.
On behalf of the Lao Party, Government, and people, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone thanked Cambodia for its support and contributions to Laos’ successful chairmanship of ASEAN, as well as the organisation of key events such as the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the ASEAN Summit, and the 10th ACMECS Summit.
The Lao prime minister also commended Cambodia’s progress under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, highlighting the nation’s political stability, economic growth, and improving living standards. He noted Cambodia’s growing regional and international prestige and extended warm wishes to Prime Minister Hun Manet, wishing him continued success in national development.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone underlined the importance of Cambodia-Laos energy cooperation and urged both sides to enhance collaboration between relevant authorities to implement existing agreements.
He also agreed with Samdech Techo on expanding cooperation in energy trade, public works, and transportation, particularly enhancing connectivity between the two countries. He praised the positive atmosphere of bilateral relations, the well-managed shared borders, and the strong, sincere, and mutually beneficial ties between Cambodia and Laos.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone affirmed his commitment to working closely with Samdech Techo Hun Sen to implement all agreed-upon matters in accordance with the spirit of their bilateral agreements.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone extended his best wishes for a successful visit to Laos.
For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his deep gratitude to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone for his warm hospitality during his visit, which marked his first official trip to Laos as the President of the Cambodian Senate.
He conveyed greetings from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and wished Sonexay Siphandone a Happy New Year 2025. He also noted that his delegation included representatives from the Party, the Royal Government, the National Assembly, and the Senate.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen congratulated Sonexay Siphandone on his successful ASEAN Chairmanship, which has fostered unity and progress despite global challenges. He underscored that, although he no longer serves in the Royal Government, he remains proud of the strong brotherly ties between Cambodia and Laos and values their long-term strategic partnership.
Samdech Techo also underlined the importance of frequent high-level meetings and communication. He added that exchanges at the Party, Parliamentary, and Government levels demonstrate the strengthening of bilateral relations.
He also urged both countries to maintain cooperation across all sectors, including security and national defense, ensuring that future leaders build on the foundation laid by past generations. He underlined the need to uphold the principle of preventing unfriendly forces from using either country’s territory to threaten the security and stability of the other.
On economic ties, Samdech Techo Hun Sen acknowledged steady progress in trade, investment, and tourism. He highlighted the importance of expanding electricity supply from Laos to Cambodia and beyond, contributing to Cambodia’s energy needs, economic growth, and the development of the ASEAN energy network.
He added that now is the time to accelerate and strengthen all forms of cooperation, particularly existing partnerships, for mutual benefit.
On the occasion, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global challenges, noting the importance of continuously assessing the geopolitical landscape to adopt appropriate stances and avoid being caught in major power conflicts.
=FRESH NEWS
