Phnom Penh, 23 July 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, on Thursday received H.E. Aly Vongnobountham, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao Women's Union, at the National Assembly Palace.
 
Welcoming the Lao delegation, Samdech said the visit marked another step toward strengthening the longstanding friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two neighboring countries, guided by the principles of "good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term stability."
 
She commended the close cooperation between the Lao Women's Union and the Cambodian Women's Association for Peace and Development (CWAPD), saying such exchanges deepen mutual understanding, strengthen people-to-people ties, and reinforce the sisterhood between the women of the two countries.
 
"Women have played a vital role in advancing people-centred and inclusive cooperation. Their voices and leadership are essential to building an even stronger partnership between our two countries," Samdech said.
 
She noted that Cambodia and Laos have made significant progress in promoting women in leadership and decision-making, adding that empowering women is not only a matter of equality but also a strategic investment in sustainable development and good governance.
 
"To build a stronger future, we must work together to promote women's participation in the digital economy and innovation. Strengthening women leaders in these emerging fields will ensure that our societies remain competitive and inclusive," she said.
 
Samdech also reaffirmed the two countries' shared commitment to promoting gender equality, strengthening women's leadership, and supporting ASEAN centrality in promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Samdech underscored that Cambodia and Laos, as neighboring countries and small states, are committed to upholding a rules-based international order and an open, inclusive multilateral system. She also reaffirmed the two countries' opposition to the use or threat of force to alter internationally recognized borders.

For her part, H.E. Aly Vongnobountham expressed her sincere gratitude to Samdech Khuon Sudary for the warm reception and valuable guidance.
 
"Today's meeting feels as though I have met an elder sister who has generously shared valuable knowledge and experience. We will put Samdech's guidance into practice for the benefit of our society and country," she said.
 
Highlighting the close ties between the two neighboring countries, H.E. Aly Vongnobountham said Cambodia and Laos have long shared a special bond built on mutual trust and common aspirations.
 
"Although our two countries are small, we have enjoyed close and enduring relations since ancient times. We stood together in the struggle against imperialism until victory was achieved, leaving us with a precious shared legacy," she said.
 
"Today, we continue to work hand in hand to develop our countries. We are good neighbours who support one another, conduct business together, and care for each other like family. Cambodia is a friend that truly understands Laos," she added.
 
She also praised Cambodia's rapid development, saying each visit to the Kingdom had revealed remarkable new progress, particularly in Phnom Penh.
 
During the meeting, H.E. Aly Vongnobountham also briefed the Cambodian side on Laos' political and security situation, socio-economic development, and the work of the Lao Women's Union.
 
The two sides agreed that stronger cooperation between women's organizations would further deepen the Cambodia–Laos comprehensive strategic partnership and bring greater benefits to women and children in both countries.