VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Laos and Cambodia have agreed to deepen their energy partnership.
From Nov 26 to 28, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn led a series of high-level meetings in Vientiane, co-chairing the 15th Cambodia–Laos Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane.
On 27 November, both sides highlighted energy collaboration as a key stabilizing factor in their relationship.
Cambodia expressed appreciation for Laos’s continued electricity supply and committed to expanding joint initiatives in the sector.
The two countries have a growing record of energy cooperation. In March 2024, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visited Laos, overseeing the signing of multiple agreements and MoUs, including measures to facilitate the purchase of green energy from Lao hydro, wind, and pumped storage projects.
Separately, in January 2024, the two countries completed a 500-kilovolt transmission line from Champasack to the Cambodian border, boosting the efficiency of power transfers. Until then, Laos had supplied about 445 megawatts to Cambodia through a 115-kilovolt line and plans to raise imports to 6,000 megawatts by 2030.
Beyond energy, the talks also addressed political and border cooperation.
Officials agreed to increase high-level and institutional exchanges, citing recent visits by Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Senate President Hun Sen as examples of renewed momentum.
Border management was also highlighted, with both governments commending progress in demarcation and reaffirming their commitment to completing the remaining segments. Their shared goal is to transform the border into a zone of peace, development, and cooperation. -- Laotian Times
