Laos and Cambodia Strengthen Legislative Cooperation

(KPL) On October 23, Lao National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane met with Cambodian National Assembly President Khuon Sudary in Vientiane during the 45th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly. President Xaysomphone praised Cambodia's participation in the AIPA meeting, hosted by Laos, as a key contribution to deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also invited Cambodian Supreme Council President Hun Sen to visit Laos at a suitable time. In response, President Khuon Sudary expressed gratitude for the strong ties between the two legislative bodies and updated the Lao delegation on Cambodia's socio-economic progress and legislative efforts. She highlighted Cambodia's political stability, economic growth, and improving living standards. President Xaysomphone emphasized Laos' focus on connectivity projects, particularly the Lao-China railway, aimed at enhancing trade and tourism. He also discussed plans to expand railway and highway links with Cambodia, fostering joint development. Both leaders commended the cooperation between their countries in various sectors, including defense, trade, education, tourism, and infrastructure. Xaysomphone acknowledged the successful visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to Laos earlier in 2024 and Cambodia's involvement in recent ASEAN summits. On legislative cooperation, the two sides stressed the importance of continuing regular exchanges of delegations and lessons in parliamentary roles. They agreed to further implement the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between their national assemblies, focusing on cooperation from central to local levels, particularly among provincial councils in border areas. The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen bilateral legislative ties and enhance cooperation in regional and international parliamentary forums. Source: Lao News Agency