Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam pledge closer security cooperation at trilateral ministers’ meeting

PHNOM PENH, July 1, 2026 (KPT) – The interior and public security ministers of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have agreed to deepen cooperation against transnational crime, pledging stronger intelligence sharing and coordinated action following a trilateral meeting in Phnom Penh.

The second ministerial gathering, hosted by Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior on June 30, brought together Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha, Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong, and Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang.

In a joint statement, the three ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer security ties, citing human trafficking, drug trafficking and cyber‑enabled fraud as increasingly complex threats requiring cross‑border responses.

They also discussed regional and global developments, including the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, which they said continue to affect global security and economic growth.

Officials presented reports on cooperation against trafficking and cyber fraud, with participants reviewing progress made over the past year.

The ministers said joint efforts had helped maintain public order and stability while supporting peace and development across the three countries.

The statement pledged expanded cooperation against terrorism, illegal arms trafficking, disinformation and illegal immigration, as well as non‑traditional threats such as pandemics and natural disasters.

The three ministries will also increase information sharing on activities deemed threats to national security.

The ministers agreed to strengthen border security, promote development in frontier communities and expand exchanges through training, cultural activities and research, with a focus on younger officials. The next meeting will be hosted by Laos under the agreed rotation.