The high-level delegation of the Royal Government of Cambodia led by Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen returned home after successfully concluding their two-day official visit to Vientiane, Laos.
The delegation was welcomed upon their arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport by H.E. Bin Chhin, Standing Deputy Prime Minister, Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers, and many other senior government officials.
According to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during his stay in Vientiane, Samdech Techo Hun Sen paid tribute and laid a wreath at the Unknown Soldier Monument. He also paid separate courtesy calls on H.E. Thongloun SISOULITH, President of the Lao PDR, at the Presidential Palace and H.E. Dr. Xaysomphone PHOMVIHANE, President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR, at the National Assembly.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen and his Lao counterpart H.E. Sonexay SIPHANDONE had an in-depth discussion on the state of bilateral relations and on the way forward to further strengthen the bonds of traditional friendship and close relations as well as cooperation in many areas between the two countries, ranging from political-security, defensce, border affairs, trade and investment, air connectivity, tourism, energy and education.
Both sides noted with satisfaction that the two-way trade between Cambodia and Laos has gained positive momentum from US$160 million in 2021 to US$210 million in 2022. Samdech Techo encouraged the two sides to expedite the negotiation on the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation –DTA and to organise business partner matching events, exhibitions and seminars to provide more opportunities for trade and investment exchanges to further boost bilateral trade, investment and economic activities between the two countries.
The two Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in socio-economic development. Both sides welcomed the resumption of direct flights from Luang Prabang - Pakse - Siem Reap by Lao Airlines. Samdech Techo encouraged the resumption of direct flights from Phnom Penh-Vientiane-Phnom Penh as both countries have fully reopened.
On education cooperation, the two Prime Ministers encouraged both sides to continue to exchange intellectuals, researchers, published research works, and share knowledge and research between the Royal Academy of Cambodia and the Lao Academy of Social Sciences. They urged the two sides to expedite the completion of the joint research on "Cambodia-Laos relations: historical, cultural and people-to-people relations along the borders of the two countries" and the preparation of the Lao-Khmer and Khmer-Lao dictionary.
On security and defence, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in fighting against transnational crimes through sharing of information in a timely manner between the authorities at the border areas. Samdech Techo stressed the importance of the Joint Exercise on Search and Rescue along the border of the two countries.
On border affairs, both sides welcomed the progress made by the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) of Cambodia and Laos which have achieved approximately 86 percent of the common land boundary with a total of 121 border pillars.
Both Prime Ministers recognised the importance of energy sector as a core priority of economic and trade cooperation between Cambodia and Laos. Both sides encouraged relevant ministries/institutions to continue to effectively implement the existing memorandums of understanding and agreements on energy cooperation between the two countries to ensure energy stability and security for their national development.
On regional and international cooperation, Samdech Techo expressed his deep appreciation to the Lao Government for her active support to Cambodia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2022 and reaffirmed Cambodia’s full support to the Laos’ Chairmanship of ASEAN 2024. The two Prime Ministers also agreed to continue supporting each other in regional and international fora, particularly in ASEAN and the United Nations.
In recognition of the merits and significant contribution of Samdech Techo Prime Minister in enhancing the friendly relations and close cooperation between Cambodia and Laos, especially the elevation of the relationship to the Comprehensive and Long-lasting Strategic Partnership, H.E. Thongloun SISOULITH conferred the Medal PHOXAY LANE XANG, the highest medal of the Lao PDR awarded to foreign leaders, to Samdech Techo Prime Minister. H.E. Sonexay SIPHANDONE also awarded the Medal of Development to several private Cambodian companies for their valuable contribution to assist the Lao Government in her fight against Covid-19 as well as the Medal Cross of Friendship to the Cambodia-Laos Friendship Association.
For his part, Samdech Techo Prime Minister cordially extended an invitation to H.E. Sonexay SIPHANDONE, and spouse to pay an official visit to Cambodia at the earliest opportunity and H.E. Lao Prime Minister accepted the invitation with thanks and pleasure. The specific timing of the visit will be arranged through diplomatic channels in due course.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press