PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – February 7, 2026 – Cambodia and Laos have significantly bolstered their bilateral ties, reaffirming a robust commitment to elevate cooperation across all key sectors. A primary focus is set on achieving an ambitious bilateral trade target of US$700 million by the year 2030, marking a new chapter in their comprehensive strategic partnership, crucial for regional economic stability.
The reaffirmation of these commitments came during a high-level meeting in Phnom Penh between Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and his Lao counterpart, H.E. Sonexay Siphandone. This meeting took place on the sidelines of a trilateral gathering of party leaders from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, underscoring the deep regional collaboration.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Diplomatic Milestones
Both leaders commended the consistent advancement of bilateral relations, recognizing the strong foundation provided by their existing comprehensive strategic partnership. They urged relevant ministries and institutions from both the Kingdom of Cambodia and Laos to intensify their collaboration, ensuring tangible benefits are delivered directly to their respective populations.
Looking ahead to 2026, which marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos, both nations have agreed to organize special activities and promote high-level exchanges. This includes upcoming state visits by senior leaders, further cementing their political and diplomatic bonds. Notably, His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, is also slated to visit Laos this year, highlighting the enduring friendship.
Key Pillars of Expanded Cooperation
Discussions between Prime Minister Hun Manet and Prime Minister Sonexay covered a wide array of vital cooperation areas. These include enhancing trade, attracting more investment, developing agriculture, fostering energy partnerships, improving transport connectivity, managing border affairs effectively, and bolstering security efforts.
Regional Connectivity and Economic Integration
A significant focus was placed on combating transnational crimes, such as human trafficking and online fraud, through enhanced bilateral security cooperation. Both sides underscored the critical importance of upgrading transport infrastructure to streamline cross-border trade and strengthen broader regional connectivity across Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, the Premiers reached a consensus on boosting logistical cooperation. This strategic move aims to enable Laos, a landlocked nation, to gain improved access to international markets via Cambodia’s seaports. Concurrently, Cambodia would benefit by exporting its agricultural products through Laos to third countries, aligning with Laos’s strategic vision to transform itself from a landlocked to a land-linked country.
Energy Security and International Support
Energy cooperation was also a crucial topic, with both leaders pledging to reinforce partnerships to ensure mutual energy security. In a show of solidarity, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed Laos’s full support for Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled for November 2026.
The commitment from both Cambodia and Laos to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership and achieve a US$700 million trade target by 2030 signifies a powerful step towards mutual prosperity and regional stability. These efforts, spanning economic, diplomatic, and security spheres, are poised to foster sustained growth and strengthen the bonds between these two important Southeast Asian nations for years to come.
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