Interior minister Sar Sokha (front right) and his Lao counterpart Vilay Lakhamphong shake hands during the March 15 signing ceremony. MoI
The Cambodian Ministry of Interior and Lao Ministry of Public Security have inked a new agreement which will see the two sides exchange intelligence to prevent cross-border crimes, especially the trafficking of people and drugs.
The March 14 signing ceremony was witnessed by minister Sar Sokha and his Lao counterpart Vilay Lakhamfong, during the latter’s official visit to Cambodia, according to a ministry press release.
“Both sides spoke highly of the excellent relations between the leadership of the two countries, in line with the spirit of a ‘comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership’,” it said.
“They celebrated the achievements that were accomplished via cooperative mechanisms between the two countries, whether within framework of the legislative or executive bodies,” it added.
They also exchanged viewpoints on the latest regional and global developments that may affect their respective societies, while supporting the strengthening of cooperation that will guarantee security and public order.
Both sides also spoke highly of their cooperation in the past year, which included an exchange of visits, human resource development and close relations between law enforcement officials in the border provinces of both nations.
“We aim to continue our cooperation, but more active and intensely. We have signed a note of cooperation for 2024, and agreed to continue to share information to prevent and crack down on all kinds of cross-border crimes,” said Sokha.
During a separate meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet on March 15, Vilay emphasised the nature of the two countries’ comprehensive and long-lasting strategic partnership, saying: “We are good neighbours and close friends”.
Manet spoke highly of the excellent relationship between the two counties in general, and between Cambodia’s interior ministry and Laos’ public security ministry in particular.
He encouraged the two ministries to continue to strengthen and expand their cooperation to combat cross-border crimes like human and drug trafficking, as well as other offences.
The premier also noted that the Lao government remains committed to meeting the Kingdom’s energy needs by supplying electricity.
