AKP Phnom Penh, May 11, 2026 —

The Kingdom of Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) have expressed their satisfaction with the progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their readiness to further strengthen and expand cooperation in all sectors.

The commitment was reaffirmed by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet while receiving H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of to Cambodia, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on the afternoon of May 11.

During the meeting, Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay expressed pride in being appointed as Lao ambassador to Cambodia and praised the Kingdom’s socio-economic development across all sectors, particularly infrastructure development, which he described as a key driver of the country’s economic growth.

The Lao ambassador also highly valued the close cooperation between Laos and Cambodia in all fields and underscored the importance of continuing to strengthen the “comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership” between the two neighbouring countries for their mutual benefit.

He expressed gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia for its continued support to Laos, particularly during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 and during the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay pledged to work toward further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation across all sectors, while promoting the implementation of bilateral agreements for the benefit of both peoples.

He also informed Prime Minister Hun Manet that both countries are preparing celebrations in Phnom Penh and Vientiane to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos in 2026.

In response, Samdech Thipadei congratulated H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay on his appointment and expressed confidence that the ambassador would contribute further to deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries during his diplomatic mission in Cambodia.

The Cambodian Premier welcomed the continued progress in bilateral relations and reaffirmed Cambodia’s readiness to further strengthen and expand cooperation with Laos in all fields.

Samdech Thipadei also encouraged the Lao ambassador to work closely with relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions to enhance cooperation in key areas including trade, economy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, electricity, defence, and security.

By C. Nika