Phnom Penh, 6 May 2026 — The newly appointed Lao ambassador to Cambodia on Wednesday pledged to further strengthen the long-standing friendship and expand comprehensive cooperation between the two neighboring countries for the benefit of their peoples.

H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Cambodia, made the remarks during a courtesy call on Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, at the National Assembly Palace.

The ambassador reaffirmed his determination to advance bilateral ties, stressing that his mission would focus on translating high-level agreements into concrete outcomes.

“I am committed to serving as a bridge to further strengthen cooperation across priority sectors and ensure that our agreements deliver tangible benefits to both nations,” he said.

He noted that priority areas include culture, trade, economic and social development, as well as the effective implementation of bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at both executive and legislative levels.

Praising Cambodia’s rapid development, the ambassador highlighted major infrastructure achievements such as Techo International Airport, the expanding transport network, and the Funan Techo Canal project, as well as the country’s sustained economic growth and macroeconomic stability.

“Cambodia’s rapid and comprehensive development provides a strong foundation for deeper cooperation,” he said, while also expressing appreciation for Cambodia’s support in human resource development, particularly scholarships for Lao parliamentary officials.

For her part, Samdech Khuon Sudary welcomed the ambassador and reaffirmed Cambodia’s full support for his diplomatic mission.

Samdech Khuon Sudary noted that the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and Laos remains strong and resilient despite global uncertainties, guided by the principles of “good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.”

Samdech also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in three key areas: economic development; defense and security; and people-to-people relations, including tourism and cultural exchange—particularly the proposed cultural corridor linking Vat Phou and Angkor Wat.

She further emphasized joint efforts on border security to combat transnational crimes such as drug and human trafficking, and to enhance people-to-people connectivity, ensuring that border areas remain zones of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.

Samdech also underscored the importance of completing border demarcation to ensure a “peaceful and development-oriented border” for future generations.

Amid an increasingly complex global environment, Samdech called for stronger unity and cooperation between the two countries. “We must transform challenges into opportunities by strengthening solidarity and cooperation,” she said, adding that Cambodia remains committed to maintaining peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Notably, 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Laos, with both countries planning commemorative activities to celebrate their enduring partnership.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a comprehensive and long-term strategic partnership through continued high-level exchanges and practical cooperation.

“We are confident that Cambodia–Laos relations will continue to grow stronger and bring lasting benefits to our peoples,” Samdech Khuon Sudary said.