Lao president hails relations with Cambodia

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times) - President Choummaly Sayasone told Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni last week that Laos highly values the bilateral relations and cooperation it enjoys with Cambodia.

The Lao president made the statement during talks with King Sihamoni during a state visit to Phnom Penh, according to a press release from the Government Office.

The three-day visit from February 26-28 was in response to an invitation from King Sihamoni.

During the talks, held shortly after an official welcoming ceremony, President Choummaly told the king he was delighted to have visited Cambodia.

After almost six decades since Laos and Cambodia established diplomatic ties in 1956, the Lao PDR regards Cambodia as a good neighbour, the president told the king.

Laos and Cambodia have long been good cooperative partners who share mutual benefits and continue to support each other in the regional and international arenas, President Choummaly added.

“Laos-Cambodia relations are neighbourly and brotherly relations that enjoy a high level of mutual trust and understanding,” the president was quoted as telling the king.

Leaders of the two countries have maintained regular contact and exchanged visits. The two neighbours have cooperated in a broad range of fields such as politics, security, economics, culture, and education.

The president and the king exchanged gifts, with President Choummaly presenting the Phoxay Lane Xang Medal to King Sihamoni.

Following the talks, President Choummaly, his wife and delegation paid tributes at the Independence Monument and the statue of His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

President Choummaly also received a courtesy visit from the First Vice President of the Senate, Say Chhum.

The Lao leader and his delegation also called on the President of the Cambodian National Assembly, Mr Heng Samrin.

Both parties said they highly valued their countries' bilateral cooperation, especially that between their two legislative bodies.

President Choummaly also hailed the progress made on border demarcation between the two neighbours and called for both sides to keep working together to complete the remaining demarcation.

President Choummaly later met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, with both sides pledging continuous mutual support and assistance.

Representing the Lao government, President Choummaly congratulated the government and people of Cambodia on their achievements in socio-economic development.

The president said he was delighted to note that Cambodia has extended support and assistance to Laos over the past years and maintained sound cooperation.

Both sides pledged to push their relevant sectors to realise the outcomes of the 12th meeting of the Joint Cooperation Commission as well as agreements made by the leaders of the t wo countries.

They also touched upon the possible creation of a cooperation mechanism to strengthen security and order along their shared border.