Cambodia and Laos Pledge to Boost Bilateral Ties Targeting $700M Trade by 2030
AKP Phnom Penh, February 07, 2026
Cambodia and Laos have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across all sectors, with a focus on expanding bilateral trade to reach USD 700 million by 2030.
Prime Minister Hun Manet met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on February 7, 2026, during the latter’s visit to Cambodia for a trilateral meeting of party leaders from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
The two leaders praised the steady progress of bilateral relations under their comprehensive strategic partnership and urged relevant ministries to work closely to deliver tangible benefits to their peoples.
Marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, both sides agreed to organise activities and promote high-level exchanges, including upcoming state visits by senior leaders, to further strengthen political and diplomatic ties. His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is also planning to visit Laos this year.
Discussions also focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, energy, transport connectivity, border affairs, security, and combating transnational crimes, including human trafficking and online fraud. Both sides highlighted the importance of improving transport infrastructure to facilitate cross-border trade and regional connectivity.
Moreover, both leaders agreed to enhance logistical cooperation, enabling Laos to access international markets through Cambodian seaports, while Cambodia could export agricultural products via Laos to third countries, in line with Laos’ strategy to transform from a landlocked to a land-linked country.
They also pledged to strengthen energy cooperation to ensure mutual energy security. Prime Minister Sonexay further expressed Laos’ support for Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit in November 2026.
