PHNOM PENH, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Laos have vowed to further boost all-round cooperation for the interest of both countries and peoples, said a joint statement on Thursday.
The commitment was made between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and visiting Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during their bilateral meeting on Wednesday, said the statement released at the end of Sonexay's two-day official visit to Cambodia.
Both leaders agreed to further promote bilateral cooperation in politics, defense and security, energy, trade, digital technology, tourism, and culture, among others.
"On defense and security, the two prime ministers applauded all relevant institutions and authorities of the two countries for their close coordination and diligence in addressing issues such as online scams, drug and human trafficking, and other transnational crimes," the statement said.
"The two leaders also shared the strong commitment not to allow any hostile forces to use the territory of one country to do harm to the security and stability of the other or to interfere in its internal affairs," it added.
They reiterated their commitment to encourage the competent authorities of the two countries to study the possibility of the establishment of a new border checkpoint between Cambodia's Ratanakiri province and Laos' Attapeu province to facilitate cross-border trade, tourism, transportation, and people connectivity.
They also highly valued the results of the boundary demarcation of about 86 percent of the total borderline, equivalent to 540 km, and reaffirmed commitment to expedite the settlement of the remaining border segments as soon as possible in order to build a common border of peace, friendship, development and cooperation between the two countries.
The two prime ministers agreed to explore the possibilities of increasing direct flights between the two countries to bolster business and tourism exchanges, and people to people linkage.
After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of three bilateral cooperation documents on the elimination of double taxation, agriculture, and culture, the statement said. ■
