These assessments were made this Monday in Kuala Lumpur by the Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, in the context of the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

In an open and friendly atmosphere, the heads of government discussed areas of common cooperation and international and regional issues of mutual interest, as the three countries strive to overcome security, political, and socioeconomic development challenges caused by fluctuations in the global and regional situation.

The officials paid special attention to the connections between these three nations in the areas of economy, trade, finance, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, and agreed to promote cooperation in border area development.

Efforts will focus on connecting transportation infrastructure, energy, trade, digital transformation, and human resources, and effectively promoting the land border gate system between the three countries to maximize convenience for cross-border trade.

The dignitaries also agreed to coordinate research for the establishment of cross-border economic zones, create a clear legal corridor, and strive to increase the trade volume between Vietnam and Laos to $5 billion and between Vietnam and Cambodia to $20 billion. They also resolved to advance the “3 Countries, 1 Destination” tourism initiative and coordinate with Thailand to implement transportation connectivity projects between the four nations.

The prime ministers agreed that the security of one country is also the interest of the other, and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate to ensure political stability, security, and social protection in each country and maintain order in border areas. They also called for strengthening the prevention of all types of crimes, combating illegal entry, and protecting the border to ensure peace, stability, and development.

Minh Chinh, Manet, and Siphandone also agreed that preserving and promoting the tradition of solidarity and mutual support between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are more necessary and important than ever.

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