Cambodia and Laos underline ‘close friendship’ during state visit

PHNOM PENH, 9 February 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and Laos have reaffirmed their close political and economic ties following a two-day state visit to Phnom Penh by Lao president Thongloun Sisoulith.

Thongloun, who is also General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, visited Cambodia from 6 to 7 February at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni.

During the trip, he held talks with Senate President and Acting Head of State Hun Sen, and laid wreaths at the Independence Monument and the Royal Memorial of the late King-Father Norodom Sihanouk.

Hun Sen praised Laos’s economic progress, noting growth of more than 4% in 2025, and congratulated Thongloun on his re-election as party leader.

Thongloun in turn commended Cambodia’s socio-economic achievements under King Sihamoni and Prime Minister Hun Manet, expressing confidence in its ambition to reach high-income status by 2050.

Both sides welcomed the steady expansion of bilateral relations and agreed to organise events marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

They highlighted cooperation in border security, trade, energy, and infrastructure, including plans for a bridge linking Ropou in Cambodia with Selampao in Laos.

At the conclusion of the visit, Thongloun thanked Cambodia’s leadership for its hospitality and said he looked forward to welcoming King Sihamoni during his forthcoming state visit to Laos.