Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 5 – Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said that Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni will pay a royal visit to Laos in January 2025.
Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone paid a courtesy call on Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Thursday (Dec. 5) at the Cambodian People’s Party headquarters.
At the start of the meeting, Samdech Techo extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his delegation.
Samdech Techo recalled his official visit to Laos in February 2023 when he served as Prime Minister and noted with pleasure that King Norodom Sihamoni was preparing to visit Laos in January 2025. He expressed satisfaction with the robust exchange of visits between the two nations.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Samdech Techo for granting the courtesy meeting. He conveyed greetings and an invitation from Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Laos, for Samdech Techo and his delegation to visit Laos at any appropriate time.
Prime Minister Siphandone also extended his congratulations on Cambodia’s recent National Independence Day, commending the nation for its achievements in civilisation, political stability, and improvements in the quality of life under the leadership of Samdech Techo. He highlighted Cambodia's growing prestige on the international stage.
Additionally, the Laotian prime minister thanked Cambodia for its support during the ASEAN Summit and the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Laos, which were both resounding successes.
Regarding the severe floods caused by Typhoon Yagi, Sonexay Siphandone expressed his gratitude to Cambodia for expressing its concern and assistance in the event of a natural disaster. He also updated Samdech Techo on the progress of cooperation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in the past and praised the cooperation between the two countries' legislatures through mutual support in regional and international forums.
Prime Minister Siphandone shared his satisfaction with the outcomes of border cooperation efforts, which have been characterised by mutual understanding, sincerity, and goodwill. He called for further friendly collaboration to address shared developmental challenges and expressed hope that Samdech Techo would continue fostering strong ties between the leaders, parties, and peoples of the two countries.
Meanwhile, he also noted the progress of Lao-Cambodian relations, which have advanced to the level of a "comprehensive and long-term strategic partnership" under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen.
For his part, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Siphandone’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia, and accepted Saysomphone Phomvihane’s invitation to visit Laos at an appropriate time. He suggested that this visit could represent both the party and the Senate.
In this meeting, Samdech Techo lauded ASEAN’s achievements, which he attributed to the organisation’s unity and the capable leadership of Prime Minister Siphandone as the Rotating Chair of ASEAN.
Samdech Techo informed the Laotian prime minister of Cambodia’s decision to withdraw from the Cambodia-Laos-Viet Nam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) to prioritise peace for the Cambodian people. However, he assured that this decision would not affect the broader cooperation between the three countries, which would continue under existing mechanisms at the national level, including regular meetings of party leaders, prime ministers, and youth development initiatives.
He also requested that his regards be conveyed to Thongloun Sisoulith. Samdech Techo mentioned changes within the Cambodian Senate, with Prak Sokhonn appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ouch Borith as the First Vice President of the Senate.
On the occasion, Samdech Techo highlighted the institution’s focus on two key priorities: parliamentary diplomacy and accountability to the electorate.
In response, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone committed to reporting the outcomes of the meeting to Thongloun Sisoulith and other Laotian leaders. He expressed understanding of Cambodia’s withdrawal from the CLV-DTA and pledged to collaborate closely with Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet.
He concluded by wishing Samdech Techo good health, a long life, and continued success in leading Cambodia towards prosperity, while fostering enduring cooperation, friendship, and strategic partnership between the two nations.
Samdech Techo reciprocated the well wishes, expressing hopes for the success of the Laotian delegation’s mission and continued strong ties between the two countries.
=FRESH NEWS
