Samdech Hun Sen Meets Lao Defence Chief to Boost Bilateral Military Ties

PHNOM PENH, Feb 17, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Senate President Samdech Hun Sen met a senior Lao military leader in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, with both sides pledging to deepen defence cooperation and strengthen border collaboration, officials said.

Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith, Laos’ Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army, paid a courtesy call at the Senate’s Unity Palace.

Senate spokesman Chea Thyrith said Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed the delegation and noted that recent high level exchanges, including a visit by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, reflected the strong and enduring relationship between the two neighbours.

Saichay expressed appreciation for the meeting and reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to expanding defence cooperation, highlighting joint efforts along the border to maintain security and stability.

Samdech Techo encouraged closer collaboration in defence training and human resource development, including scholarship exchanges, and called for stronger coordination in border management, tackling cross border crime and responding to natural disasters.

The meeting concluded with Samdech Techo Hun Sen wishing the Lao delegation a productive visit to Cambodia.