AKP Phnom Penh, May 20, 2025 --

Cambodia and Laos have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in maintaining security and order along their shared border, aiming to transform it into a zone of peace and sustainable economic development.

The renewed pledge was made during the 3rd Annual Meeting of the Cambodia-Laos Border Security Cooperation Commission, held on May 19 in Pakse, Champasak province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

This year’s meeting was hosted by Laos, with authorisation from the Ministers of National Defence of both countries. The Lao delegation was led by Major Gen. Vanthong Bouttavong, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People's Army and Chairman of the Laos-Cambodia Border Security Cooperation Commission. The Cambodian side was headed by Gen. Ith Sarath, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Chief of the Joint Staff, who also chairs the Cambodia-Laos Border Security Cooperation Commission. Both delegations included senior representatives from relevant institutions.

Over the past year, both sides assessed positive progress in implementing joint mechanisms and discussed continued collaboration. They agreed to enhance efforts to maintain security and prevent armed conflicts along the border, designating the frontier as a zone of peace, friendship, and safety.

The two militaries will intensify cooperation with other relevant authorities to combat transnational crimes, including terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal logging, illicit excavation of natural resources, poaching, and the smuggling of antiquities. Both sides also agreed to continue facilitating communication and joint problem-solving in a peaceful and coordinated manner.

Furthermore, the two parties committed to holding regular annual meetings between specific border military units. These include cooperation between Laos’ 5th Infantry Division and Cambodia’s 9th Infantry Brigade, as well as respective military commands in Champasak and Attapeu provinces (Laos) and Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, and Rattanakiri provinces (Cambodia). Issues arising along the border are to be addressed locally and in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

The delegations also emphasised public education along the border areas, promoting legal awareness among local residents to prevent illegal activities and support border security. Both sides reaffirmed support for the work of the Cambodia-Laos Joint Border Commission (JBC) and agreed to rotate hosting duties for the annual commission meetings, limiting each delegation to 25 members.

In conclusion, both countries reiterated their commitment to the principles of peace, friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect for sovereignty. Security issues are to be addressed through peaceful dialogue, and cultural exchanges, arts, sports, and other forms along the border will continue to be encouraged.

The outcomes are in line with the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministries of National Defence of Cambodia and Laos on Sept. 14, 2022, in Vientiane, Laos.

By K. Rithy Reak