Phnom penh: The Prime Ministers of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos have underscored the importance of strengthening trilateral relations and cooperation to support development and maintain peace and stability in the region.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the remarks were made during a trilateral meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Vietnamese Prime Minister H.E. Pham Minh Chinh, and Lao Prime Minister H.E. Sonexay Siphandone. The meeting took place at the Solidarity Palace in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of high-level party leaders' meetings among the three countries from February 6-7.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet highlighted the close communication at all levels and the productive cooperation among the three countries. He noted positive progress in economic and trade relations and proposed further initiatives to enhance commercial cooperation. Targets include achieving US$700 million in trade with Laos by 2030 and US$20 billion in trade with Vietnam in the coming years.

The Cambodian Prime Minister also encouraged greater people-to-people exchanges and broader connectivity through infrastructure, transport, culture, tourism, and electricity cooperation. He called for technical teams to accelerate preparations for linking the Phnom Penh-Bavet and Ho Chi Minh City-Moc Bai expressways.

The three Premiers emphasized that strong trilateral relations and cooperation are vital for development and safeguarding peace and stability in the region. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation in politics, diplomacy, and information sharing through foreign affairs mechanisms, along with mutual support within regional and international frameworks. The leaders also focused on exchanges among future generations of leaders.

The meeting reaffirmed commitments to enhanced cooperation in defense and security, particularly in combating cross-border crime, cyber fraud, and non-traditional security threats. Vietnam expressed readiness to continue promoting further investment in Cambodia in the areas of trade and investment.

Additionally, the leaders agreed to deepen connectivity among the three countries, including physical infrastructure, transport, electricity, education, and training. This is aimed at supporting national economic development and promoting the 'Three Countries, One Destination' tourism initiative.