Lao envoy pledges to deepen trade ties and social development

Lao envoy pledges to deepen trade ties and social development

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a comprehensive and long-term strategic partnership through high-level exchanges and practical cooperation.

The newly appointed Lao ambassador to Cambodia yesterday pledged to further strengthen the long-standing friendship and expand comprehensive cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

Sonexay Vannaxay, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Cambodia, made these remarks during a courtesy call on Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia (NA) in Phnom Penh.

He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing bilateral ties, stressing that his mission would focus on translating high-level agreements into concrete outcomes.

“I am committed to serving as a bridge to further strengthen cooperation across priority sectors and ensure that our agreements deliver tangible benefits to both nations,” he said.

Ambassador Sonexay noted that priority areas include culture, trade, economic and social development, as well as the effective implementation of bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at both executive and legislative levels.

Welcoming the ambassador, Sudary extended Cambodia’s full support for his diplomatic mission. She stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in three key areas: economic development, defence and security, and people-to-people relations, including tourism and cultural exchange.

She stressed joint efforts on border security to combat transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking, and to enhance people-to-people connectivity, ensuring that border areas remain zones of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.

The diplomatic push comes at a time as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos, with both countries planning commemorative activities to celebrate their enduring partnership.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a comprehensive and long-term strategic partnership through continued high-level exchanges and practical cooperation.

Cambodian and Lao officials have established the Joint Trade Commission to accelerate the economy across the border.

The two neighbouring countries agreed to boost bilateral trade to reach $700 million by 2030.

khmertimeskh