(KPL) On February 22, 2025, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet convened in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to discuss the guidance provided by the leaders of the ruling parties of the three countries.

This meeting was held to realize the agreements reached by the top Party leaders of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, which also took place in Ho Chi Minh City on the same day. It aimed to further implement the directives of the three countries' top Party leaders and strengthen trilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, the three Prime Ministers unanimously agreed to translate the guidance of their respective Party leaders into detailed action plans. These plans will serve as a framework for the governments, ministries, sectors, and local authorities of each country to effectively implement the directives.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperative relations among the three countries, which have consistently been supported by senior leaders, ministries, sectors, and local authorities. They emphasized that this cooperation has significantly contributed to strengthening and enhancing trilateral collaboration.

The Prime Ministers highlighted the strategic importance of fostering close friendship, solidarity and mutual trust among the three nations. They affirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination, maintaining regular high-level meetings, and promoting exchanges across all fields.

Key areas of focus include strengthening cooperation among local authorities, particularly in provinces sharing common borders, and encouraging people-to-people exchanges. The leaders also pledged to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms and agreements, promote information sharing, and enhance collaboration among ministries and sectors. 

In addition, the three countries will continue to strengthen cooperation in defense, public security, and border security. They will work closely to maintain peace in border areas, combat transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering, and uphold the principle of not allowing any individual or force to use the territory of one country to undermine the stability of another. Together, they aim to build a peaceful, friendly, stable, and developed border region.

The Prime Ministers also agreed to continue implementing policies and measures to facilitate trade and investment. This includes promoting cross-border trade, improving the land border checkpoint system, and enhancing connectivity in communication infrastructure and economic integration among the three countries.

They expressed support for establishing a joint cooperation mechanism among the Ministries of Culture and Tourism of the three countries to promote tourism cooperation under the theme "One Journey, Three Destinations."

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to uphold ASEAN's central role in regional matters.

KPL