Phnom penh: Cambodia and Laos have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across all sectors, with a focus on expanding bilateral trade to reach US$700 million by 2030.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet met with Lao Prime Minister H.E. Sonexay Siphandone at the Solidarity Palace on Saturday afternoon during the latter's visit to Phnom Penh for a trilateral meeting of party leaders from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

The two leaders praised the steady progress of bilateral relations under their comprehensive strategic partnership and urged relevant ministries to work closely to deliver tangible benefits to their peoples. Marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, both sides agreed to organise activities and promote high-level exchanges, including upcoming state visits by senior leaders, to further strengthen political and diplomatic ties. His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, is also planning to visit Laos this year.

Discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, transport connectivity, border affairs, security, and combating transnational crimes, including human trafficking and online fraud. Both sides highlighted the importance of improving transport infrastructure to facilitate cross-border trade and regional connectivity.

Moreover, both Premiers agreed to enhance logistical cooperation, enabling Laos to access international markets through Cambodian seaports, while Cambodia could export agricultural products via Laos to third countries, in line with Laos' strategy to transform from a landlocked to a land-linked country. They also pledged to strengthen energy cooperation to ensure mutual energy security. Prime Minister Sonexay expressed Laos' support for Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit in November 2026.