Vientiane (FN), Feb. 7 – Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, and Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Laos, expressed their satisfaction with the strong relations and cooperation between Cambodia and Laos, expressing confidence that these ties will continue to grow.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen engaged in working discussions with Saysomphone Phomvihane on 6 February 2025 in Vientiane, Laos.

At the outset, Saysomphone Phomvihane extended a warm welcome to Samdech Techo Hun Sen and the high-level delegation currently on an official visit to Laos.

The president of the Lao National Assembly conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Samdech Techo on his election as President of the Cambodian Senate, highlighting this as a testament to the trust and support of the Cambodian party and people in his wise and skilful leadership and extensive experience.

He noted that Samdech Techo’s visit as Senate President was of great significance, reinforcing peace and friendship between the two neighbouring nations, while also strengthening their traditional ties and comprehensive, long-term strategic partnership.

Additionally, the president extended his regards to the President of Cambodia’s National Assembly Khuon Sudary.

During the meeting, Samdech Techo thanked Saysomphone Phomvihane for his invitation and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He wished the president of the Lao National Assembly and the people of Laos a happy, prosperous, and successful New Year in 2025.

Samdech Techo expressed his pleasure at meeting the Lao National Assembly President once again, following their previous meeting in February 2023 during his official visit to Laos as Prime Minister.

The Cambodian Senate president congratulated the Lao National Assembly and Government on successfully presiding over the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), chairing ASEAN, and hosting the 10th ACMECS Summit.

Samdech Techo also conveyed warm greetings from Khuon Sudary to the president of the Lao National Assembly, thanking him for his hospitality during the 45th AIPA General Assembly.

He commended the Lao Party and Government’s efforts in socio-economic development and improving living standards, expressing confidence that under the leadership of the Lao Party and State, the people of Laos would continue to overcome challenges and achieve further success.

Samdech Techo briefed the Lao National Assembly president on Cambodia’s recent developments, particularly the success of the Cambodian People's Party in selecting the next generation of leaders in 2023. He emphasised that while the older generation remains strong, ensuring a smooth transition is crucial to preventing instability, which has often plagued Cambodia’s history, particularly over the past 500 years.

He further stated that the transition of power to the next generation was essential for maintaining peace, stability, and long-term development. Over the past 18 months, the new leadership has demonstrated its capability and reliability in preserving peace and fostering development.

Samdech Techo expressed optimism that with continued economic growth and Cambodia’s expansion as an exporter of key products such as rice, the nation will graduate from the least developed country (LDC) status by 2029 and attain upper-middle-income status by 2030.

Regarding his priorities for the 5th Senate, Samdech Techo highlighted two key objectives: parliamentary diplomacy to support the government’s foreign policy amidst an increasingly complex global environment, and ensuring the Senate remains accountable to the electorate.

He commended the steady progress in Cambodia-Laos relations, which he formalised in 2019 as a “comprehensive and long-term strategic partnership” with then-Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. He viewed this as a successful framework for guiding future leaders in deepening bilateral cooperation. The Cambodian People’s Party has played a vital role in fostering strong relations between the two nations over the past 46 years.

Samdech Techo remarked that Cambodia-Laos relations have remained stable throughout his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister, and now as Senate President.

He emphasised the importance of further strengthening cooperation in all sectors, including security, trade, investment, and energy, with legislative institutions providing support to the government.

On behalf of Cambodia’s National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, Samdech Techo extended an invitation to the President of the Lao National Assembly to visit Cambodia at a mutually convenient time.

In response, Saysomphone Phomvihane thanked Samdech Techo for his positive remarks on Cambodia-Laos relations and for sharing insights into Cambodia’s current situation. He highly appreciated Cambodia’s significant progress in national development.

The president of the Lao National Assembly acknowledged the remarkable achievements of the Cambodian People’s Party, which have enhanced Cambodia’s regional and international standing.

He also provided an update on Laos, stating that under the leadership of the Party and State, the country has enjoyed peace, stability, and an economic growth rate of 4.6% in 2024. The Lao Government aims to transform the nation from a landlocked to a land-linked country by expanding railway connections with neighbouring countries, facilitating trade and tourism.

He emphasised that the relationship between Laos and Cambodia is deeply rooted in brotherly friendship and remains strong through ongoing traditional cooperation. He noted that the legislative institutions of both countries continue to exchange high-level delegations and experts, while also supporting each other in regional and international forums.

The president of the Lao National Assembly expressed hope that continued implementation of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements—particularly in energy cooperation and railway construction—would further enhance bilateral ties and boost trade.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, underscoring the need for closer cooperation in monitoring and addressing emerging challenges.

Finally, the president of the Lao National Assembly wished Samdech Techo Hun Sen and his delegation a successful official visit to Laos.
=FRESH NEWS