Vientiane, Lao PDR, 10 August 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, arrived in Vientiane on Monday, leading a high-level parliamentary delegation to attend the funeral of Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Samdech is making the visit as the High Representative of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, the Cambodian delegation was warmly welcomed by senior Lao officials.
In the evening, Hon. Sounthone Xayyachak, First Vice-President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, hosted a dinner in honor of Samdech Khuon Sudary and the Cambodian delegation.
During the meeting, Hon. Sounthone Xayyachak expressed appreciation for Samdech's presence, calling it a meaningful gesture of solidarity and encouragement to the Lao leadership and people during this time of national mourning.
She said the passing of Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane was a profound loss for the Lao nation and future generations, paying tribute to his lifelong devotion to the country and its people.
Expressing her deep sorrow, Samdech Khuon Sudary said the passing of Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane was a great loss not only for the Lao people but also for the Cambodian people.
She remembered him as a highly respected statesman and a trusted friend of Cambodia, recalling their many meetings and his significant contributions to parliamentary cooperation, people-to-people ties, and the inaugural Meeting of the Leaders of the Parliaments of Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam held in Vientiane.
She described him as the anchor of trilateral parliamentary cooperation, whose vision and legacy will continue to inspire the three countries to deepen their traditional friendship and strengthen their enduring comprehensive strategic partnership.
Samdech conveyed the deepest condolences of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the Cambodian leadership, and the people of Cambodia to the Lao leadership, the Lao people, and the bereaved family. She also offered prayers for the soul of the late Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane to rest in eternal peace.
Hon. Sounthone Xayyachak paid tribute to the late leader as a role model for the Lao people and a driving force behind parliamentary cooperation between Laos and Cambodia.
She said, “We will do our utmost to nurture and strengthen relations between our parties, governments, National Assemblies, and peoples. Dr. Xaysomphone was our role model and will continue to inspire us.”
The two leaders also exchanged views on promoting women's leadership and empowering women to realize their full potential, particularly in politics.
They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening good-neighborliness and traditional friendship, strengthening the Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership between Cambodia and Laos, and continuing to support one another for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Samdech also remarked, "The success of Laos is Cambodia's success, and the sorrow of the Lao people is also the sorrow of the Cambodian people. Our two nations have always stood together, sharing both achievements and hardships."
On 11 August, Samdech is scheduled to pay final respects to the late Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane at the National Convention Centre before paying a courtesy call on Hon. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
