Phnom Penh, December 5, 2024 – Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced that His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is scheduled to pay a royal visit to Laos in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in the deepening relations between the two nations.
The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Samdech Techo and Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the Cambodian People’s Party headquarters. Welcoming Prime Minister Siphandone and his delegation, Samdech Techo reflected on his official visit to Laos in February 2023 as Prime Minister, emphasizing the ongoing robust exchange of high-level visits.
Prime Minister Siphandone conveyed greetings and an invitation from Saysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of Laos, inviting Samdech Techo for a visit to Laos at a mutually convenient time. He also extended congratulations to Cambodia on its recent National Independence Day, commending the nation’s progress in political stability, economic development, and international prestige under Samdech Techo’s leadership.
Acknowledgment of Bilateral and Regional Cooperation
During the discussion, Prime Minister Siphandone thanked Cambodia for its support during Laos’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit and the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). He expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s solidarity during the severe floods caused by Typhoon Yagi and highlighted the nations’ cooperation in regional and international forums. The Laotian Prime Minister further praised the progress in border cooperation efforts, underscoring the mutual understanding, sincerity, and goodwill that characterise their bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Siphandone commended the advancement of Lao-Cambodian ties, which have reached the status of a “comprehensive and long-term strategic partnership.” He expressed hope for continued collaboration to address shared developmental challenges and foster stronger connections between the nations’ leaders, parties, and peoples.
Cambodia’s Withdrawal from CLV-DTA
Samdech Techo Hun Sen informed Prime Minister Siphandone of Cambodia’s decision to withdraw from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) to prioritise peace and stability for the Cambodian people. He reassured that this decision would not affect the broader cooperation between the three nations, which will continue through existing mechanisms, including regular meetings of leaders and youth development initiatives.
Samdech Techo also shared updates on recent changes within the Cambodian Senate, including the appointments of Prak Sokhonn as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ouch Borith as First Vice President of the Senate. He highlighted the Senate’s focus on parliamentary diplomacy and its accountability to the electorate.
Future Engagement and Cooperation
Prime Minister Siphandone expressed understanding of Cambodia’s decision regarding the CLV-DTA and pledged to continue close collaboration with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. He committed to reporting the outcomes of the meeting to Laotian leaders, including Thongloun Sisoulith, and reiterated the importance of fostering enduring friendship and strategic partnership.
The meeting concluded with mutual well wishes, as both leaders expressed optimism for strengthened ties and shared prosperity between Cambodia and Laos.
