(KPL) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Gen. Vilay Lakhamfong and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Cambodia Sar Kheng signed a memorandum of cooperation in Vientiane on Mar 19 to further enhance cooperation between the two ministries. 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation on maintaining security along the common border; drug control and inspection; prevention of human trafficking, illegal immigration, telecom and cyber crimes; exchange of visits; to contribute to peace and security and create favourable conditions for the development in the two countries.

The signing took place after both sides held an annual meeting on bilateral cooperation between the two ministries which was attended by high ranking officials of the two ministries and leaders from provinces located along the common border including Champassak and Attapeu of Laos, and Stung Treng, Rattanakiri and Preah Vihear of Cambodia.

The meeting was part of the Cambodian Minister’s visit to Laos between Mar 18-20 in response to the invitation of his Lao counterpart.

Both sides reviewed the bilateral cooperation on implementing cooperation plans under the memorandum on bilateral cooperation they signed in 2021 and adopted cooperation directions for 2023.

Despite failing to implement all activities stated in their memorandum of cooperation in 2022, both sides appreciated the sound cooperation between relevant authorities, especially between the provinces along the common border of the two countries, on maintaining security thus contributing to strengthening the good neighbour relationship between the two countries.

Both sides noted that they need to make greater efforts to promote exchanges between relevant authorities, personnel training, and education of people living along the common border on immigration laws and regulations of the two countries.

KPL