9-10-2024 (VIENTIANE) In a display of regional solidarity, the Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia convened for a working breakfast on the morning of October 9th, coinciding with the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in the Laotian capital of Vientiane. This trilateral meeting underscored the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation among these Southeast Asian neighbours.
Prime Ministers Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam, Sonexay Siphandone of Laos, and Hun Manet of Cambodia reaffirmed the importance of their nations’ shared history of solidarity and mutual assistance. They emphasised that this tradition serves as a cornerstone for developing cooperative relations and fostering trust among the three countries.
The leaders expressed satisfaction with the efficacy of existing trilateral cooperation mechanisms, which have contributed significantly to strengthening ties between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. They highlighted several key areas of collaboration, including defence and security, which continue to be pivotal in their relationship. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation have seen substantial progress, while people-to-people exchange programmes have diversified. The leaders also noted the crucial role of inter-party cooperation in guiding the development of relations.
Looking ahead, the Prime Ministers agreed to coordinate efforts in organising a meeting between the leaders of their respective political parties. They pledged to maintain close coordination in ensuring national security and fostering development, while committing to regular bilateral and trilateral contacts at various levels of government and across different sectors. The leaders also emphasised the importance of enhancing exchanges between young leaders and youth groups.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on economic and trade development. The Prime Ministers acknowledged the need for strategic breakthroughs to align economic cooperation with the strength of their political relations and the individual potential of each country. They agreed to collaborate on ensuring security and order in border areas, with a particular focus on regions where the three countries converge. Plans were made to enhance the effectiveness of land border gate systems and to promote infrastructure connectivity and economic linkages.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the principle of not allowing any country’s territory to be used to undermine the security of another. They also agreed to continue organising annual meetings between their Defence Ministers and to maintain the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia Ministerial Conference on crime prevention.
In a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed gratitude to his Laotian and Cambodian counterparts for their support of the Vietnamese communities in their respective countries. He requested continued assistance in ensuring these communities can integrate successfully and contribute positively to their host nations.
The summit concluded with the three leaders pledging mutual support in international forums, particularly within ASEAN and the United Nations. They also expressed their collective support for Cambodia’s upcoming role as host of the 20th Francophone Summit in 2026.
