Cambodia, Laos set up comprehensive strategic partnership

The move aims to further consolidate and enhance their long-term friendship, solidarity and cooperation in politics-security, economy, culture and social affairs.

The establishment of the long-term comprehensive strategic partnership was stated in a 12-point joint statement that was issued right after the talks between visiting Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Phnom Penh.

The welcome ceremony for Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith in Phnom Penh. (Source: Fresh News)

The two countries consented to further develop the friendship on the basis of international law, especially the principles prescribed in the Charters of the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

They reiterated their mutual trust and respect for the principles of not intervening in each other’s internal affairs, not using or threatening to use force, settling disputes peacefully, and not allowing any foreign political groups or armed forces to use their territory to sabotage the other country.

They will maintain regular high-level meetings between representatives of the two governments, ministries and agencies to promote coordination in addressing issues or incidents in a timely and effective manner with the aim of enhancing their mutual trust.

The two sides concurred to assign the joint committee on border demarcation and marker planting to compile a treaty on border demarcation regarding the shared border with 86 percent of the workload completed, as soon as possible. 

They agreed to promptly discuss peaceful solutions to the remaining border section.

Besides, Cambodia and Laos will closely join hands in national defence and public security, especially through frequent consultations, all-level visits, student exchanges, and consular and legal affairs.

The two nations also agreed to step up cooperation in energy and shared their views that energy trade between Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam would be promoted through a joint transmission line.

Cambodia and Laos will boost cooperation between the Cambodian capital city of Phnom Penh and the Lao capital city of Vientiane, and between Siem Reap province of Cambodia and Champasak province of Laos.

They consented to foster collaboration within frameworks of sub-regional and regional mechanisms, particularly the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of five cooperation deals in the fields of labour and energy./