In a significant development, Cambodia and Laos have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership, as demonstrated during a state visit by the Lao President, Thongloun Sisoithil, to Phnom Penh from April 23-24, 2024.
During the visit, President Sisoithil laid wreaths at the Independence Monument and the Royal Memorial Statue of King Norodom Sihanouk, the late King Father of Cambodia. He had a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni and held separate meetings with senior Cambodian officials, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, Senate President Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, and National Assembly President Samdech Moha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of continued bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including politics, border affairs, security and defense, economy, energy, and connectivity. They also discussed multilateral cooperation to ensure peace and prosperity in the region, contributing to harmony and development among ASEAN countries.
Cambodia expressed its gratitude for Laos' generosity in providing a contribution of $1 million to support the Lao chairmanship of ASEAN during President Sisoithil's official visit to Lao PDR last month. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on security-related issues, particularly in preventing and combating transnational crime.
The leaders also valued the exchange of instruments of ratification and the signing of minutes on the exchange of instruments of ratification of the Treaty on Delimitation of Borders between Cambodia and Laos. They agreed to settle the remaining 14 percent of the border segments in a peaceful manner, building a frontier of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
On connectivity, both sides urged relevant authorities to expedite site selection for a bridge across the Ropou River in Cambodia and Selampao in Laos to facilitate movement between the two countries. Cambodia expressed appreciation for Laos' supply of electricity, contributing to its socio-economic development.
The two sides also encouraged Cambodian and Lao authorities to effectively implement agreements and memoranda of understanding related to energy cooperation, including a new agreement on energy cooperation, memoranda of understanding on green power purchases, and a feasibility study for a transmission line to Cambodia.
During his visit, President Sisoithil attended the 14th Summit of the Cambodian People's Party and the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. He expressed sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements accorded to him and his delegation during their stay in Cambodia.
The strengthening of bilateral relations between Cambodia and Laos underscores the importance of regional cooperation and peace in Southeast Asia. As ASEAN member countries, both nations recognize the significance of promoting harmony and development among member states, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
In conclusion, the Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership between Cambodia and Laos marks a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. The two nations have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation and peace, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration and multilateral engagement to promote development and stability in Southeast Asia.