Cambodia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhon paid an official working visit to Laos on Jun 16-17 in response to an invitation by Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith to enhance the longstanding ties and cooperation between Laos and Cambodia.

A bilateral meeting between the two ministers and their delegations was held on Friday to review efforts both sides have made over the past years to enhance and deepen the longstanding relations, solidarity, cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

Both sides agreed to further exchange visits of officials at alllevels and strengthen the implementation of agreements signed by the two countries.  They also hope to strengthen cooperation in preventing crimes, the transport of drugs and other smuggling activities, and ensuring peace andstability along the common border.

They agreed to promote cooperation through a Joint Committee on Cooperation (JC) of the two countries in politics, economics and trade, transport, investment, education, and culture among others.

Consulates

Both sides agreed to establish general consulates in each other’s country with the Lao General Consulate to be located in Xieng Teng of Cambodia and the Cambodian Consulate to be based in Champassak of Laos.

An official ceremony to mark the establishment of the consulates will be held in the near future.

Both sides also agreed to continue planting border markers and to ensure that the demarcation is accomplished as soon as possible.

They also committed to building a Se Lamphao road and bridge to ensure better land connectivity between the two countries and to promote investment and trade between the two countries, especially in provinces located along the common border.

Education

The ministerial delegations agreed unanimously to increase annual bachelor degree scholarships to 15.

Both sides also agreed to enhance and promote close cooperation and mutual support in regional and international arenas namely: CLV, CLMV, ACMEC, ASEAN, UN, and GMS among others.