Cambodia rolls out red carpet for Lao PM

Cambodia on Monday rolled out its red carpet for Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on his official visit to the kingdom in order to further enhance relations and cooperation between the two neighbors.

Thongloun was cordially welcomed by his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen with a brass band and guard of honor at the Peace Palace in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.

Then the two prime ministers held talks, agreeing to broaden bilateral ties and cooperation in economy, trade, investment and tourism for mutual benefits, according to Eang Sophalleth, a personal assistant to Hun Sen.

The two leaders also agreed to continue strengthening security along the border and preventing all types of cross-border crimes, he said.

Both sides also agreed to establish consulates-general in Cambodia's Stung Treng city and Laos' Pakse city in order to facilitate travel for the people of the two countries, he added.

Thongloun arrived here on Monday for a two-day official visit. He told Hun Sen that Cambodia was the first country that he paid the visit after being elected as the prime minister of Laos in April.

During his stay, the Lao leader is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate President Samdech Say Chhum, and National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin.

（APD）