Cambodia and Lao PDR have vowed to further enhance comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership, said the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a press release on the outcome of the bilateral meeting between both countries’ Premiers in Vientiane on Tuesday.
According to the press release made public this afternoon, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and H.E. Dr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Chair of ASEAN for 2024, held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane on Oct. 8, 2024. They expressed satisfaction with the strong bonds of friendship and good cooperation between the two countries, which was elevated to a Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership in 2019.
The Prime Ministers agreed to further promote regular exchanges of visits at all levels as well as interactions between leaders, ministries, i
nstitutions and local authorities of the two countries to boost cooperation in various areas. They expressed their desire to convene the 15th meeting of the Cambodia-Laos Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in the near future.
On trade and tourism, the two sides discussed ways to increase bilateral trade to its full potential, especially by reactivating Joint Trade Committee meetings. They agreed to enhance border infrastructure connectivity to facilitate trade and encourage flows of tourists between the two countries.
On energy cooperation, the two sides stressed the importance of energy security and electricity infrastructure. They also explored ways to expand green energy supplies between the two countries and the region to contribute to realise the ASEAN Power Grid.
The Prime Ministers encouraged their relevant authorities to further strengthen cooperation and take timely and comprehensive crime-prevention measures to ensure peace and stability in border areas.
The two sides noted with pleasure
the finalisation of the Agreement for the Elimination of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance to be signed at the earliest convenience.
H.E. Dr. Sonexay SIPHANDONE highly commended Cambodia’s achievements in socio-economic development and its regional and international standing.
Samdech Thipadei Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the Cambodian delegation in Vientiane and reiterated support for the Lao Chairmanship of ASEAN. He looked forward to the official visit of H.E. Dr. Sonexay SIPHANDONE to Cambodia in the near future.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse