Cambodia, Laos Agree to Strengthen Security Cooperation
Cambodia, Laos Agree to Strengthen Security Cooperation
PHNOM PENH, May 14, 2026 — Cambodia and Laos agreed to strengthen security cooperation and expand joint efforts against transnational crime during talks between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Lao Public Security Minister Vanthong Kongmany on Thursday.
The discussions took place at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh during Vanthong Kongmany’s visit to Cambodia for meetings on bilateral security cooperation.
The Lao minister said his visit aimed to review implementation of the 2025 cooperation agreement and sign a new memorandum of cooperation for 2026 with Cambodia’s Interior Ministry.
He described the visit as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation in security and public order, particularly along shared border provinces.
According to the Cambodian government, both sides highlighted the importance of joint efforts to combat transnational crimes including human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, cybercrime and other illegal activities crossing borders.
Vanthong said closer security coordination was needed to ensure safety, stability and public order for citizens of both countries.
Hun Manet congratulated Vanthong on his appointment as Laos’ public security minister and expressed confidence that security cooperation between the two countries would continue to deepen under his leadership.
The Cambodian prime minister also highlighted broader cooperation between the neighbouring countries, noting that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos.
Hun Manet said both sides should continue advancing cooperation beyond security matters, including infrastructure connectivity, tourism development and people-to-people exchanges to support trade growth.
He stressed that challenges such as cross-border crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking and technology-related offences required coordinated action between countries.
The Cambodian leader also encouraged the two ministries to deepen practical cooperation, describing security collaboration as a key foundation supporting wider bilateral relations.
