Phnom Penh, 8 January 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, said on Wednesday morning that relations between Cambodia and Laos are grounded in long-standing solidarity, mutual respect, and shared benefits.

Samdech Khuon Sudary made the remarks while receiving a courtesy call and farewell visit from Buakeo Phumvongsay, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Cambodia, at the National Assembly Palace, following the completion of his diplomatic mission.

Samdech commended the Ambassador and his colleagues for their valuable contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation across multiple frameworks, including legislative and executive coordination, party-to-party exchanges, business-to-business ties, and people-to-people contacts.

Samdech Khuon Sudary said Cambodia and Laos are good neighbors and close friends that have supported each other across generations, guided by the spirit of “good neighbors, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.”

Samdech also praised Laos’ recent development progress, highlighting its transformation from a landlocked country into a land-linked one through enhanced national and regional connectivity, including major transport infrastructure projects such as high-speed railways and expressways linking Laos with neighboring countries.

Noting that both Cambodia and Laos are small countries, Samdech Khuon Sudary said they share a common commitment to development, multilateralism, and respect for international law, stressing that peace is essential, as war brings losses to all sides.

For his part, Ambassador Buakeo agreed with Samdech Khuon Sudary’s remarks, reaffirmed the importance of peace, and expressed confidence that the Cambodia–Thailand border issue can be resolved peacefully. He also informed Samdech that Laos is preparing for the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party to review past work and set directions for the 2026–2030 National Socio-Economic Development Plan.

The Ambassador thanked Samdech Khuon Sudary for granting the farewell audience and expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for its close cooperation and support, which helped ensure a successful and fruitful diplomatic mission and further strengthened long-standing bilateral relations.

In 2026, Cambodia and Laos will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, with Laos preparing to welcome an upcoming state visit by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of Cambodia.