PHNOM PENH, Feb 15 (NNN-AKP) – Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, returned home yesterday afternoon, after concluding a two-day official visit to neighbouring Laos, with fruitful outcome.
According to a statement released by Cambodia’s foreign ministry, during the visit, Hun Sen and his Laotian counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone, signed two historically significant documents, namely the Treaty on Delimitation of the State Border, and the Action Plan for the Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership between the two countries, for 2023-2027.
Prior to the signing ceremony, the two prime ministers had an in-depth discussion on bilateral relations, and on further strengthening the bonds of traditional friendship and close relations, as well as, cooperation in many areas, including political security, defence, 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 a positive momentum, rising from 160 million U.S. dollars in 2021, to 210 million dollars in 2022, the statement said.
“The two prime ministers emphasised the importance of the tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in socio-economic development,” the statement said. “Both sides welcomed the resumption of direct flights from Luang Prabang-Pakse-Siem Reap by Lao Airlines.”
Hun Sen also encouraged the resumption of direct flights between Phnom Penh and Vientiane, as both countries have fully reopened, it added.
Both leaders recognised the importance of the energy sector as a core priority of economic and trade cooperation between Cambodia and Laos, the statement said.
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, the statement said.
It added that, on border affairs, both sides welcomed the progress made by the Joint Boundary Commission of Cambodia and Laos, which has covered approximately 86 percent of the common land boundary, with a total of 121 border pillars.
On regional and international cooperation, the two leaders agreed to continue supporting each other in regional and international forums, particularly in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations, the statement said.– NNN-AKP
