PHNOM PENH, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen returned home on Tuesday afternoon after concluding a two-day official visit to neighboring Laos, with fruitful outcomes.
According to a statement released by Cambodia's foreign ministry, during the visit, Hun Sen and his Laotian counterpart Sonexay Siphandone signed two historically significant documents, namely the Treaty on Delimitation of the State Border, and the Action Plan for the Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Strategic Partnership between the two countries for 2023-2027.
Prior to the signing ceremony, the two prime ministers had an in-depth discussion on bilateral relations and on further strengthening the bonds of traditional friendship and close relations, as well as cooperation in many areas, including political security, defense, border affairs, trade and investment, air connectivity, tourism, energy and education.
Both sides noted with satisfaction that the two-way trade between Cambodia and Laos has gained a positive momentum, rising from 160 million U.S. dollars in 2021 to 210 million dollars in 2022, the statement said.
"The two prime ministers emphasized the importance of tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in socio-economic development," the statement said. "Both sides welcomed the resumption of direct flights from Luang Prabang-Pakse-Siem Reap by Lao Airlines."
Hun Sen also encouraged the resumption of direct flights between Phnom Penh and Vientiane as both countries have fully reopened, it added.
Both leaders recognized the importance of energy sector as a core priority of economic and trade cooperation between Cambodia and Laos, the statement said.
On security and defense, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in fighting against transnational crimes through sharing of information in a timely manner between the authorities at the border areas, the statement said.
It added that on border affairs, both sides welcomed the progress made by the Joint Boundary Commission of Cambodia and Laos, which has covered approximately 86 percent of the common land boundary with a total of 121 border pillars.
On regional and international cooperation, the two leaders agreed to continue supporting each other in regional and international forums, particularly in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations, the statement said. ■