AKP Phnom Penh, May 07, 2025 --

Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly (NA) of Cambodia, received here at the NA Palace this morning visiting Maj. Gen. Vongsack Phanthavong, Chairman of the Lao NA’s Defence and Security Committee.

Maj. Gen. Vongsack, also President of the Lao–Cambodia Parliamentary Friendship Group, arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, heading a parliamentary delegation on a six-day visit to Cambodia, according to the Cambodian NA.

Samdech Khuon Sudary said the visit not only strengthened parliamentary relations but also enhanced people-to-people ties as an essential foundation for the traditional friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

She said the 70th anniversary of Cambodia-Lao diplomatic ties next year would be marked by activities to nurture the bonds of friendship and cooperation across generations.

Samdech Khuon Sudary noted that the recent visit to Laos by Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate and Cambodian People's Party, resulted in the adoption of action plans to strengthen cooperation.

She also recalled that Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet visited Laos last month to pay tribute to the late President Khamtay Siphandone and meet with Lao leaders.

Samdech Khuon Sudary conveyed heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the Lao National Assembly for its warm hospitality and successful hosting of the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly in October last year.

Maj. Gen. Vongsack expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome to Cambodia and conveyed best wishes from H.E. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the Lao NA.

He said that the Lao parliament had recently amended several laws related to sub-national governance and the civil service as part of broader reforms to streamline the government and improve the well-being of the Lao people.

He also expressed gratitude to the Cambodian parliament for offering scholarships to five officials from the Lao NA Secretariat.

Samdech Khuon Sudary praised the progress in Laos, particularly its high-speed railway to China, and noted that institutional reforms were essential to strengthening efficiency.

The Cambodian NA is undertaking reforms to improve accountability, transparency and service delivery to better support lawmakers in serving the public, she said.

As Cambodia and Laos become increasingly interconnected, cooperation will be grounded under official frameworks and the spirit of mutual understanding and enduring friendship inherited from past generations, she added.

Samdech Khuon Sudary expressed confidence that both countries could continue transforming future challenges into opportunities.

The Cambodian NA President reaffirmed her support for the timely and accurate completion of border demarcation between the two countries, stressing that the frontier should serve as a line of peace and development.

She also underscored the shared determination to combat cross-border crimes —including drug and human trafficking as well as cybercrimes — to ensure lasting security, peace, stability, and sustainable development for both nations.

During its visit to Cambodia, the Lao delegation is scheduled to meet H.E. Kep Chuktema, Chairman of the NA Commission on Interior, National Defence, Civil Service, and Border Affairs, and H.E. Santibindit Loy Sophat, Chairman of the Cambodia–Laos Parliamentary Friendship Group.

AKP