Cambodia and Laos have pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in a variety of fields, including anti-tax evasion measures, as well as to fast-track talks for a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

The pledge was made during Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith’s May 4-6 visit to Cambodia during which he also attended the Opening Ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation press statement on May 5.

At a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen, “the two leaders encouraged relevant ministries and institutions to effectively implement the Action Plan – 2023-2027 – for the Long-lasting and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Treaty on Delimitation of the State Border [between the two countries and] other documents agreed by both sides”, the statement said.

They “agreed to continue to maintain regular visits and meetings between the leaders, respective ministries and institutions as well as the local authorities of the two countries to enhance traditional friendship and close cooperation in many fields, including politics, security, defence, economy, trade, investment, energy, education and connectivity.

“Both sides reiterated the importance of promoting bilateral trade and investment, and to this end, they encouraged relevant authorities to expedite the negotiation of the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income,” the ministry added.