Lao president, Cambodian king highly value bilateral relations

Visiting President Bounnhang Vorachit and his host Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni said they highly valued the longstanding bilateral relations between Laos and Cambodia, when holding talks in Phnom Penh on February 9.
President Bounnhang and his delegation made a two-day state visit to Cambodia on February 9-10 at the invitation of the Cambodian king, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement.

President Bounnhang, who is also Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, expressed heartfelt thanks to King Norodom Sihamoni for the warm hospitality extended to himself and his delegation.  The president also thanked the king for the invitation, which was the second of its kind.
The two leaders reiterated the importance of raising Laos-Cambodia relations to a comprehensive cooperative partnership, which took place last year.
The heads of state agreed that both sides should continue to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation.
They agreed to assign their relevant agencies to work together to deepen cooperation in the fields of politics, economics, socio-cultural matters, defence and security, and the prevention of disease.  
President Bounnhang’s visit took place as Laos and Cambodia are celebrating the 64th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
To address the matter of unsettled border areas, both sides tasked the relevant bodies to discuss and implement the outcomes of previous talks between Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The talks between the president and the king were seen as being a meaningful foundation for further enhancing the comprehensive relations and cooperation between Laos and Cambodia.
President Bounnhang conveyed his warm greetings to the king’s mother.
He invited King Norodom Sihamoni to visit Laos at a convenient time to enhance the longstanding bilateral relations and cooperation between the two neighbours, which share cultural similarities.
President Bounnhang also received courtesy calls from leading senior officials including Prime Minister Hun Sen, and President of the National Assembly Heng Samlin.
The leaders briefed each other on socio-economic developments in their respective nations, and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
President Bounnhang and his delegation also laid wreaths and paid homage at the Independence Monument and the Royal Memorial.
On the same day, King Norodom Sihamoni hosted a dinner at the Presidential Palace in honour of the Lao president and his delegation.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 11, 2020)