Vientiane, Lao PDR, 11 August 2026 — Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, met with Hon. Sounthone Xayyachak, Vice-President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, in Vientiane on Tuesday, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting took place at the National Convention Centre as Samdech and a high-level Cambodian parliamentary delegation attended the funeral of the late Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, who passed away on 8 August 2026 at the age of 70.
In her condolence message, Samdech expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Hon. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, remembering him as a great statesman who devoted his whole life to the nation.
On behalf of the National Assembly of Cambodia and on her own behalf, Samdech extended her deepest condolences to Mrs. Viphavanh Phomvihane and the bereaved family, offering her thoughts, prayers, and strength and praying for the late leader’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
During their meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on parliamentary cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the political consensus reached by the leadership of the two countries and their political parties.
Hon. Sounthone Xayyachak stressed that solidarity and cooperation among Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam remain critical to the independence and development of the three countries. She emphasized that by standing together, the three neighbors could overcome challenges and move forward together.
The Vice-President underscored the importance of carrying forward the fine tradition of friendship, solidarity, and mutual support among the three countries for future generations.
Samdech Khuon Sudary highlighted the deeply rooted special relationship between Cambodia and Laos, noting that their close ties extend across sectors and at all levels. Reflecting the closeness between the two peoples, Samdech remarked that “coming to Laos feels like visiting relatives and friends.”
Samdech also stressed the importance of strengthening mutual political and strategic trust while promoting the spirit of “connecting youth, connecting generations, and connecting leadership.” She emphasized the importance of passing the longstanding friendship on to younger generations and ensuring its continued vitality.
Hon. Sounthone Xayyachak also emphasized the importance of developing and connecting infrastructure to bring the two peoples and economies closer together. Stronger connectivity, she noted, would help translate the longstanding friendship into deeper and more practical cooperation.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to carrying forward the traditional friendship and solidarity, deepening parliamentary cooperation, and continuing to support one another in advancing their mutual interests, in the spirit of their “Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership.”
