Cambodia and Laos are intensifying their efforts to enhance cooperation between border authorities, aiming to bolster security, public order, and social stability for both countries.
Officials from the two nations have called for regular annual meetings among their border authorities to address shared challenges and strengthen their bilateral relations.
The discussions on border cooperation took place at the Ministry of Interior, where Sar Sokha, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, met with Buakeo Phumvongsay, the Lao Ambassador to Cambodia. Sokha began the meeting by expressing his best wishes to Laos as it prepares to chair ASEAN in 2024, also congratulating the Laotian government on the successful conclusion of the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC).
Ambassador Buakeo praised the strong cooperation between Cambodia and Laos, voicing confidence in Sokha’s leadership. He emphasized that Laos would continue to support regular meetings between their border authorities to maintain public order and social security for citizens of both nations.
Ren Ratana, the spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, further explained that the Laotian ambassador expressed confidence in Sokha’s ongoing support for bilateral trade cooperation and collaborative efforts to combat cross-border crimes, including human and drug trafficking. These measures aim to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the border provinces of both countries.
Kin Phea, Director General of the Institute of International Relations at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that the two countries are actively working to strengthen their initiatives against transnational crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and corruption. He highlighted that this ongoing cooperation reflects the deepening friendship between Cambodia and Laos. “Turning the border into a peaceful zone is a sign of the comprehensive partnership between these neighboring countries,” Phea said.
He added that Cambodia has always maintained good relations with its neighbors across various sectors, including anti-corruption, politics, culture, defense, health, and shared historical ties. Phea believes that fostering honest and cooperative relations allows people from both countries to coexist in peace and happiness.
The commitment to strengthening border cooperation was further underscored during a meeting in July between General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), and Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaysone, Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of Staff of the Lao People’s Army. During their discussions, Gen. Pisen urged the Laotian side to adhere to the agreements made in their previous meeting to transform the border into an area of peace, friendship, and development.
Gen. Pisen proposed continued cooperation, focusing on exchanging information to combat transnational crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and disaster relief. Additionally, he suggested the introduction of sporting events and entertainment activities to foster camaraderie between the two nations.
Lt. Gen. Outhakaysone agreed with Cambodia’s vision, supporting the idea of turning the border into a zone of peace, friendship, and cooperation. He acknowledged the positive results achieved through their cooperation over the past year, particularly in improving border security and maintaining social order.
Laos also requested Cambodia’s continued support for the Joint Boundary Commission to finalize the placement of joint border markers, further solidifying the two countries’ efforts to promote harmony and cooperation.
