In an atmosphere of warmth, openness, and mutual trust, the Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos gathered for a working breakfast to chart new pathways for deepened cooperation. Their exchanges ranged from economic growth to regional security, underscoring both the timeless bonds of friendship and the urgent need for practical collaboration in a rapidly changing world.

On the morning of May 26, during his official visit to Malaysia for the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính hosted a trilateral dialogue with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

This was no ordinary meeting. The occasion carried both symbolic and practical significance: symbolic because it reaffirmed the longstanding solidarity and kinship among the three neighbors, and practical because it addressed pressing challenges of global and regional uncertainty—ranging from shifting political alignments and security risks to socio-economic recovery and sustainable development.

The three leaders noted that their relations have gone beyond formality and achieved substance. In recent years, both bilateral and trilateral ties have grown not only in frequency of engagement but also in depth of cooperation. High-level party and government meetings have been followed by swift action plans, illustrating the leaders’ determination to translate political consensus into tangible benefits for their peoples.

They praised the effectiveness of existing cooperation frameworks, such as the regular meetings of Ministers of Defense, Public Security, and Foreign Affairs. These platforms, they emphasized, have proven essential for strengthening trust, preventing misunderstandings, and ensuring that policy directions given by the top leadership are implemented on the ground.

The Prime Ministers agreed that strategic trust, coupled with shared perspectives on regional development, forms the bedrock of their long-term partnership. They pledged to prioritize connectivity across diverse fields—economy, trade, finance, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Special emphasis was placed on border cooperation, which is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity. Infrastructure links in transportation, renewable energy, and digital transformation were highlighted as priorities. The leaders also stressed the need to strengthen human resource development, expand educational exchanges, and make more effective use of border gates to boost cross-border trade and bring prosperity to frontier communities.

Determined to lift cooperation to new heights, the three leaders discussed the establishment of cross-border economic zones as drivers of growth. They agreed to review and update existing agreements in order to create a more open and facilitative legal environment for businesses and investors.

Ambitious trade goals were set: Vietnam–Laos trade turnover is to reach USD 5 billion, while Vietnam–Cambodia trade turnover is targeted at USD 20 billion in the near future. Tourism was also a highlight, with strong support for the initiative “Three Countries, One Destination”—a campaign that positions Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as a shared cultural and natural attraction for international travelers. To further boost connectivity, they expressed readiness to work with Thailand to advance joint transportation and infrastructure projects spanning all four nations.

The leaders recognized that peace and stability are indivisible: the security of one country is closely tied to that of its neighbors. They committed to reinforcing cooperation against transnational crime, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other emerging threats. Their shared borders, they stressed, must remain zones of peace, friendship, and sustainable development.

Regular consultations among defense, security, and foreign ministers were highlighted as critical tools to ensure swift coordination and collective security.

Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos share not only borders but also a history of solidarity and sacrifice. The leaders reaffirmed that this priceless legacy must be preserved and passed on. In today’s context of global uncertainty, this spirit of unity provides resilience and strength.

They emphasized the importance of frequent exchanges of visits and meetings at all levels, and the need to nurture the next generation. Youth engagement—through academic exchanges, parliamentary cooperation, and student networks—was viewed as essential for keeping alive the values of friendship and mutual assistance.

Beyond affirmations, the three leaders were determined to turn words into deeds. They pledged to instruct their ministries, agencies, and local governments to concretize agreements into specific bilateral and trilateral programs. The idea of creating new cooperation mechanisms was also discussed to further institutionalize collaboration.

Priority sectors include education, training, culture, tourism, science, and technology. Vietnam expressed its readiness to expand scholarship programs for Lao and Cambodian students, a gesture that underscores the country’s role as both a partner in development and a bridge for human capital advancement.

The dialogue extended beyond immediate cooperation. The leaders consulted one another on pressing regional and global issues, including developments in the South China Sea (East Sea), the situation in Myanmar, and broader challenges facing ASEAN. These discussions reflected their shared determination to contribute to a stronger and more cohesive ASEAN community, while ensuring that the voices of smaller nations continue to be heard on the global stage.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính took the opportunity to express appreciation to the Lao and Cambodian governments for their support of Vietnamese communities living in their countries. He emphasized that these communities serve as vital bridges of friendship, contributing to both local development and regional understanding.

Finally, Prime Minister Chính conveyed letters from Vietnamese Party General Secretary Tô Lâm to Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Hun Sen, inviting them to attend Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebrations—an invitation that reflects not only formal diplomacy but also enduring camaraderie.

The trilateral meeting of the Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos in Kuala Lumpur reaffirmed a simple yet profound truth: the destinies of the three nations are inseparably linked. By reinforcing trust, expanding connectivity, and sharing responsibility, the leaders demonstrated their resolve to transform challenges into opportunities. With solidarity as their compass, they are committed to guiding their peoples toward a future of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.