Cambodia, Vietnam push expressway link in Hanoi talks

HANOI, June 9, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on Monday pledged to deepen ties, with Samdech Thipadei highlighting plans to connect the Phnom Penh‑Bavet Expressway to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City‑Moc Bai route as a symbol of closer regional connectivity.

The meeting, held June 8 during Hun Manet’s official visit to Vietnam and his attendance at the ASEAN Future Forum, also saw the two leaders call for stronger waterway and air transport links and simplified procedures for cross‑border cargo to cut shipping times.

Le praised Cambodia’s recent development gains and voiced confidence in its continued progress under Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s leadership.

The Cambodian premier congratulated Vietnam on its economic growth, saying he believed the country would achieve long‑term goals under the Communist Party and government.

Both leaders welcomed what they described as the positive trajectory of relations and agreed to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027 with commemorative events.

They reiterated their commitment to cooperation based on good neighbourliness, traditional friendship and long‑term stability.

Talks covered politics, trade, investment, defence, education, healthcare, tourism, energy and infrastructure.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, stressing the importance of collaboration within multilateral frameworks.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between Cambodia and Vietnam reached $7.7 billion in 2025. Customs data show Cambodian exports to Vietnam totaled $1.99 billion between January and April this year, up 11.5 percent from the same period in 2025.

Overall trade rose 4.3 percent to $3.36 billion, while imports from Vietnam fell 4.6 percent to $1.36 billion.