President Thongloun Sisoulith (right) welcomes the Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Cambodia, Mrs Chea Leang.

President calls for closer Laos-Cambodia prosecution cooperation

President Thongloun Sisoulith has called for stronger cooperation between Laos and Cambodia in addressing transnational crime, especially drug-related offences.
He made the call while receiving the Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Cambodia, Mrs Chea Leang, who is on an official visit to Laos from July 14-18.
President Thongloun reaffirmed Laos’ full support for joint efforts in the justice sector, encouraging greater information sharing, exchange of experiences, and closer coordination to tackle both drug and human trafficking in border areas.
Greater collaboration would help ensure law and order, and public safety, and bring peace to border areas, he said.
The President praised the growing partnership between the two prosecution offices, which began with the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding in 2014. Since then, delegations from both sides have made reciprocal visits and shared best practices in legal work.
He highlighted the importance of the latest agreement signed on July 1, 2024, and welcomed the first Laos-Cambodia Prosecution Office Meeting held in Vientiane.
This initiative is part of the Action Plan on Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership for 2023-2027, which aims to strengthen legal systems and promote peace and development in the two countries.
Mrs Chea Leang expressed her gratitude to President Thongloun for his warm welcome and said the visit by the Cambodian delegation was aimed at deepening ties between the two prosecution offices.
Drug-related crimes remain a major concern, with the United Nations recognising them as serious international offences that require strong regional cooperation.
During Mrs Chea’s visit, her delegation met with their Lao coungterpart led by President of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor Office, Mr Xaysana Khotphouthone when they shared their fight against the drug issue.
According to figures shared at the meeting, Lao prosecutors handled 5,012 drug-related cases in 2024, with a further 1,422 cases recorded in the first five months of 2025.
Both sides discussed ways to address the issue, including sharing more information, streamlining extradition procedures, and enhancing technical assistance.
They also underlined the need to organise training programmes for prosecutors and investigators, along with raising legal awareness among communities in border areas.
The two sides agreed to hold regular meetings between prosecutors from border provinces every two years, with the next gathering scheduled to take place in Cambodia in 2027.
During the visit, the Cambodian delegation also called on Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

by Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 17, 2025)