Cambodian Minister of Interior Sar Sokha and Laos’ Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakham Phong have formally agreed to extend their close cooperation in the suppression of high tech crimes and the fight against illegal drugs in 2025.

The discussions took place during Sokha’s March 24-26 official visit to the neighbouring country.

Ren Ratanak, spokesman for the minister, told reporters on March 26 that during the bilateral meeting, the two ministers also discussed ongoing investigations into suspects involved in various crimes, such as human trafficking, and the more general situation along the border.

The two sides evaluated the cooperation between their respective ministries in 2024 and signed an agreement for continued collaboration in 2025.

The signing of the agreement was witnessed by the provincial governors and police commissioners of Cambodian provinces bordering Laos – Preah Vihear, Stung Treng and Ratanakkiri – to ensure the agreement is thoroughly implemented.

“Both sides expressed their willingness and determination to push forward and actively implement any outstanding work, along with what was agreed upon in the minutes of the 2025 cooperation plan,” said Ratanak.

“This agreement includes key tasks related to maintaining order and social stability, drug control, combating human trafficking, cooperating to safeguard security and order along the border and the management of cross-border movements, as well as the prevention and suppression of telecommunications fraud and cybercrimes. It also relates to the transfer of convicts, the exchange of high-level delegations and training cooperation,” he explained.

Cross-border crimes between Laos and Cambodia often involve drug trafficking, with drugs being transported into the Kingdom through provinces like Stung Treng or Preah Vihear.

Recently, authorities seized over 400 kilogrammes of drugs that were being transported from Stung Treng to Phnom Penh.