Cambodia, Laos Plan Deeper Cooperation Ahead of Key Anniversaries

VIENTIANE, Laos (Nov. 2៨, 2025) — Cambodia and Laos pledged Thursday to expand political, economic and cultural cooperation while preparing joint celebrations for several major diplomatic milestones, including the 50th anniversary of Laos’ National Day in December and 70 years of bilateral relations in 2026.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn met separately with Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane, reaffirming Phnom Penh’s commitment to stronger ties and people-to-people exchanges.

Sokhonn conveyed Cambodia’s best wishes ahead of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s 12th Congress in early 2026 and passed on greetings from Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Talks with Prime Minister Sonexay focused on progress in trade, investment, energy, connectivity and transport — areas Sokhonn said would contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for both nations.

Earlier in the day, Sokhonn co-chaired the 15th Meeting of the Cambodia–Laos Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

Both ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening the partnership and reviewed progress since the 14th JCBC session, identifying new areas for collaboration.

The meeting concluded with a signing ceremony for the Agreed Minutes of the 15th JCBC Meeting. Sokhonn arrived in Vientiane on Nov. 26 leading a delegation from Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an official visit running through Nov. 28.