Lao NA President, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane signs the Joint Statement during the First Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Parliamentary Summit which wrapped up on Dec 6. - VT
VIENTIANE: Athough great progress has been made in developing the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle Area, the need for further development in the zone remains high, a top Lao legislator has said.
The President of Laos’ National Assembly, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, made the comment when speaking at a press conference held shortly after the first Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Parliamentary Summit wrapped up on Wednesday (Dec 7).
“Despite accomplishments, due to the great need for development, it is essential for us to further strengthen our cooperation to expedite infrastructure development, strengthen security along our shared borders, and reinforce cooperation in education, health and job creation for local people,” Dr Xaysomphone said.
The NA president said the legislators of the three countries agreed to further monitor and push for the fulfilment of cooperation agreements, action programmes and projects agreed to by the governments of the three neighbouring countries.
“Due to limited funding, I urge the National Assemblies of the three countries to collaborate with the governments of their respective countries to seek ways to expedite the development of the CLV Development Triangle Area,” he said.
Legislators need to do more to monitor and push for greater implementation of cooperation programmes and projects, especially those relating to connectivity, security, safety, economic development, sustainable development, and socio-cultural cooperation, he added.
Successful development of the CLV Development Triangle Area will serve as a significant component for the implementation of the Asean Community Vision 2025.
Held under the theme ‘Strengthening the Role of Parliaments in Promoting Comprehensive Cooperation among Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam’, the first Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Parliamentary Summit adopted a joint statement demonstrating the political commitments of the three countries to further expand their legislative partnership.
The President of Cambodia’s National Assembly, Khuon Sudary, and Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue led their delegations at the meeting.
The meeting coincides with the three countries marking the 24th anniversary of the establishment of the CLV Development Triangle Area.
The legislators of the three countries agreed to bolster their collaboration in politics and foreign affairs, economic matters, socio-cultural affairs and national defence and security in the common interest of people living in the Development Triangle Area.
Concerning politics and foreign affairs cooperation, the legislators of the three countries agreed to push for cooperation to address illegal migration, illegal marriage and the resettlement of people in the CLV Development Triangle Area. They also agreed to promote peace, security and development in the CLV area.
Concerning economic and socio-cultural cooperation, the legislators agreed to push for greater infrastructure connectivity and to promote economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
The legislators will also push for more funding to be pumped into the CLV area, including funds sourced from government budgets and development partners.
Vietnam’s National Assembly will host the second Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Parliamentary Summit in 2025. - Vientiane Times/ANN
