On May 26, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related high-level meetings—Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính hosted an informal working breakfast with his Cambodian and Lao counterparts, Prime Minister Hun Manet and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The trilateral meeting served as a significant step toward reinforcing the comprehensive strategic partnership among the three neighboring countries, amid increasing regional and global challenges.

A Shared Response to Common Challenges

In an atmosphere of openness and camaraderie, the three prime ministers exchanged views on deepening cooperation across various sectors while discussing pressing international and regional matters of mutual concern. Acknowledging the complex global landscape marked by political instability, economic uncertainty, and security threats, the leaders emphasized the need for close coordination and collective resilience. They reaffirmed that Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are jointly striving to overcome current challenges and drive sustainable socio-economic development.

The leaders noted that recent bilateral and trilateral engagements have led to substantive progress in strengthening ties. These include coordinated implementation of action plans following recent high-level exchanges among party leaders and senior government officials. As a result, the trilateral framework has evolved from ideological solidarity into practical, strategic cooperation.

Deepening Institutional Collaboration and Connectivity

The prime ministers expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of existing trilateral mechanisms, particularly the coordination among the defense, public security, and foreign affairs ministries. They highlighted that regular meetings among the three respective ministers have been instrumental in translating political commitments into concrete outcomes and accelerating the implementation of high-level directives.

Strategic trust and shared vision were recognized as essential foundations for long-term, sustainable collaboration. The three countries agreed to enhance economic integration through infrastructure connectivity, digital transformation, education, finance, trade, and cultural exchanges. People-to-people diplomacy, especially among youth and local communities, was also emphasized as a vital channel for building lasting friendship and understanding.

Cross-Border Economic Zones: Toward a New Model of Regional Growth

One of the most notable outcomes of the meeting was a shared commitment to explore the development of cross-border economic zones. The three prime ministers agreed to initiate joint research on establishing these zones, which would promote trade, investment, and employment in border regions. This initiative aims to transform geographical proximity into a competitive advantage—turning border areas into engines of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Key focuses for development include improving land-port infrastructure, optimizing energy and trade flows, expanding digital connectivity, and investing in human capital. The leaders also agreed to enhance the efficiency of cross-border customs and immigration processes to facilitate trade and travel, thereby fostering robust socio-economic development for border provinces.

Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia also agreed to review and revise existing legal frameworks and agreements to establish a more transparent, flexible regulatory environment. This legal harmonization is expected to unlock new opportunities and support their shared goal of increasing bilateral trade volumes—raising Vietnam-Laos trade to US$5 billion and Vietnam-Cambodia trade to US$20 billion in the coming years.

Regional Tourism and Multilateral Cooperation

The three leaders reaffirmed their support for the joint tourism initiative, “Three Countries – One Destination”, designed to present Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as a seamless and unified travel experience. They also welcomed the involvement of Thailand in multilateral transportation and connectivity projects, which will further enhance regional integration across the Mekong subregion.

Security, Stability, and Peaceful Borders

Security cooperation was another key pillar of the discussion. The leaders agreed that the security of one country is inextricably linked to the stability of its neighbors. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding political stability, public safety, and social order within their respective countries, while maintaining peace and order along shared borders.

The trilateral security partnership includes measures to strengthen border patrol coordination, combat illegal cross-border activities, and prevent transnational crimes such as trafficking, smuggling, and unauthorized migration. The leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining borders that are not only secure but also characterized by friendship and development.

The prime ministers expressed confidence that enhanced coordination among the defense, public security, and foreign affairs ministries will provide an effective platform for addressing evolving security threats while building a more cohesive security community among the three nations.

Celebrating Shared Values and Generational Continuity

Preserving and promoting the historic bond of solidarity between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia was underscored as a moral imperative and strategic necessity. The leaders emphasized that the long-standing tradition of mutual support—formed through years of joint struggle and sacrifice—must be passed down to younger generations.

To this end, the prime ministers agreed to:

• Continue organizing high-level visits and exchanges across all levels and sectors.
• Innovate public diplomacy and communication strategies to highlight the historical and contemporary value of trilateral cooperation.
• Expand programs targeting youth leaders, young parliamentarians, students, and citizens to cultivate a deeper understanding of shared history and a commitment to future collaboration.

They also agreed to provide stronger direction to relevant ministries and local governments to ensure effective implementation of trilateral agreements. The possibility of establishing new cooperative frameworks and mechanisms was also raised to support emerging areas of mutual interest.

Education, Culture, and Science as Strategic Drivers

Education and cultural exchange remain a cornerstone of cooperation among the three countries. The Vietnamese government expressed its readiness to increase the number of high-quality scholarships for students from Laos and Cambodia. This move reflects Vietnam’s long-term investment in human resource development across the region.

The prime ministers also committed to strengthening partnerships in science and technology, tourism, and cultural industries, recognizing these as key pillars for sustainable development and mutual understanding.

Consultations on Regional and International Issues

The leaders reiterated their intention to maintain regular consultations on global and regional matters, including the evolving situation in the East Sea, developments in Myanmar, and other international issues affecting the region’s peace and stability. The three countries also committed to coordinating their positions ahead of major international forums and domestic milestone events in the near future.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính conveyed a message from General Secretary Tô Lâm, inviting Lao and Cambodian leaders to attend Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebrations, a significant event symbolizing unity and historical continuity.

He also expressed appreciation for the Lao and Cambodian governments' support for the Vietnamese diaspora living in their territories, emphasizing the importance of creating favorable conditions for their integration and contribution to host societies and to broader trilateral relations.

Conclusion: A Strategic Triangle for Regional Peace and Prosperity

As Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia deepen their trilateral partnership, they are forging a model of subregional collaboration rooted in mutual trust, shared history, and a vision for the future. From border security to economic development, from cultural exchanges to educational cooperation, the triangle of solidarity continues to be a beacon of regional unity and resilience.

This meeting in Kuala Lumpur marked another milestone in the journey of three nations that, despite the pressures of a changing world, remain steadfast in their commitment to one another. Through sustained dialogue, joint action, and visionary leadership, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are building a future of peace, prosperity, and shared destiny.