Cambodia and Laos Reaffirm Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Cambodia and Laos Reaffirm Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

PHNOM PENH, May 11, 2026 — The newly appointed Lao ambassador to Cambodia pledged on Monday to further strengthen and expand bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries during talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

At a meeting held at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Sonexay Vannaxay, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Laos to Cambodia, expressed pride in being appointed to the diplomatic post and reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to enhancing ties with Cambodia.

The Lao envoy praised Cambodia’s socio-economic development across multiple sectors, particularly infrastructure expansion, which he said had helped drive the country’s economic growth.

Sonexay also commended the close cooperation between Laos and Cambodia and underscored the importance of continuing to strengthen what he described as a “comprehensive and long-term strategic partnership” for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Cambodia and Laos maintain close political, economic and cultural relations as neighbouring ASEAN members, with cooperation spanning trade, border development, connectivity and regional security.

Hun Manet welcomed the ambassador and reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening relations with Laos across all sectors.

The meeting reflected ongoing efforts by both governments to reinforce regional cooperation and maintain close diplomatic engagement amid broader ASEAN integration initiatives.