The Deputy Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have agreed to further develop their close, long-standing friendships and foster their individual developments.

The meeting between three foreign ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This is the key theme of a trilateral discussion held on September 24 (local time) in New York between Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sok Chenda Sophea.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. It marked the first gathering of the three Deputy Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to implement the outcomes of their Prime Ministers’ meeting, held during the ASEAN-Japan 50th Anniversary Summit in Tokyo in 2023.

The three Deputy Prime Ministers emphasized that this relationship is a natural, historical continuation of the deep bonds shared by the three countries and underscored the strategic value and importance of solidarity and mutual trust.

They agreed to enhance public outreach efforts to raise awareness among all segments of society, particularly the younger generations, about the significance and historical value of the cooperation between the three nations.

To further strengthen their relationship and to implement high-level agreements between the three countries, the Deputy Prime Ministers agreed to maintain and deepen existing trilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Accordingly, the three Foreign Ministries will bolster practical collaboration, enhance information sharing, coordinate their positions on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and work together to build a stronger future.

Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia also aim to boost transport infrastructure connectivity and economic linkages between the three countries. Additionally, they plan to promote youth exchanges and leadership training to foster a sustainable long-term relationship.

During the meeting, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn expressed his gratitude for the deep sentiments extended by Laos and Cambodia on the passing of the late General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng. He also acknowledged their assistance to Vietnam in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi.

Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn reaffirmed that Vietnam remains consistent in valuing its special relationships with Laos and Cambodia and is committed to further deepening ties between the three parties, countries, and peoples.

For his part, Cambodian Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea confirmed that Cambodia's withdrawal from the CLV Development Triangle will not affect other bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms among the three countries.

The three Deputy Prime Ministers expressed their desire to continue close coordination to ensure that trilateral cooperation becomes more effective and substantive, benefiting the peoples of the three nations, contributing to the ASEAN Community, and supporting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the three leaders agreed to hold annual meetings to review areas of cooperation, thereby advancing comprehensive, mutually beneficial collaboration for peace, stability, and regional development.

Huy Anh

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