Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha (left) meets his Lao counterpart Chansamone Chanyalath in Luang Prabang, Laos on March 4. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): Officials from the ministries of National Defence of Cambodia and Laos are dedicated to enhancing military cooperation to benefit the two armed forces, while also acknowledging their longstanding, neighbourly relations.
The commiment was affirmed during a bilateral meeting between Cambodian defence minister Tea Seiha and his Lao counterpart Chansamone Chanyalath recently at the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Luang Prabang, Laos, as outlined in a press release.
Seiha lauded the cooperation between the militaries and peoples of both nations, highlighting their historical relationship as neighbouring countries “akin to brothers and sisters”.
"The relationship between the defence ministries of our two countries will continue to strengthen and foster closer cooperation, leading to advancements in the armies of both nations. The new Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, is actively working to enhance cooperation with neighbouring countries to promote peace, stability and development," he stated.
At the same time, Chansamone noted the strong traditional relations between the two Asean neighbours, with shared cultural traditions passed down through generations. He also commended Cambodia for its social-economic advancements.
"The two countries and their respective armed forces will intensify cooperation, especially in strengthening the relationship established by then-Prime Minister Hun Sen and his defence minister Tea Banh, who have been instrumental in building this cooperation and good relationship," he emphasised.
Chansamone also congratulated Cambodia for its effective co-chairmanship of the ADMM Plus China on humanitarian mine clearance work, as well as its collaboration with Australia on IT security skills.
He requested the Kingdom's support for Laos as it prepares to co-chair with Russia on humanitarian disaster relief work.
Seiha voiced his support, saying: "Co-chairing between Laos and Russia in the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Groups on humanitarian disaster relief will be beneficial not only to Laos and Cambodia but also to all Asean members.”
ADMM-Plus is a platform for the 10 Asean member states and their eight dialogue partners: the US, China, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, observed that the two nations traditionally maintain good relations, bolstered by geographical, cultural and historical connections.
He emphasised the importance of military cooperation between the two countries, noting shared security concerns such as combating drug and human trafficking along the border and transnational crime.
"Strong security relations between Cambodia and Laos provide mutual advantages and help avert armed conflicts. As long-standing, traditional friends and good neighbours, Cambodia and Laos must continue their collaboration across all sectors, particularly in defence and security," said Phea. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
