The first Parliamentary Summit between Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam (CLV), with the theme “Strengthening the role of parliaments in promoting comprehensive cooperation among Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam,” opened in the Lao capital Vientiane on December 5.

The Summit was attended by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Cambodian National Assembly Samdech Khuon Sudary, Lao National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, and other senior officials from the three countries.

Also present were more than 350 delegates, including NA deputies, representatives from ministries, agencies, and localities in the three countries, and representatives from the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Addressing the plenary session of the Summit, NA Chairman Hue described the solidarity, friendship and political trust between the three countries as an invaluable asset with long-term strategic meaning for their national construction, protection, and development.

He emphasized that Vietnam has treasured and adopted developing ties with neighboring countries as a strategic mission and top priority in its foreign policy.

The NA Chairman affirmed that the establishment of the Summit is a milestone in the cooperation history of the three parliaments, which will help elevate cooperation to the highest level, and is a bold step to cement the outcomes of a high-level meeting between Party leaders in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam in September 2021.

He proposed several measures to bolster cooperation between the three legislative bodies.

Regarding politics and foreign affairs, he suggested they join hands to preserve, nurture, and enhance the strategic values of the traditional friendship and special solidarity.

They should to complete institutions and issue legal policies to support the governments in developing the socio-economy and ensuring security and defense, while working closely and supporting each other at regional and international forums, especially parliamentary cooperation mechanisms such as the IPU, APPF and AIPA, contributing to building the ASEAN Community, and promoting Mekong sub-regional cooperation, he said.

In terms of trade, economy, and investment, according to the senior Vietnamese legislator, the three legislative bodies should continue supervising the implementation of signed cooperation documents, as well as negotiate the signing of new agreements to fully form a legal corridor that facilitates collaboration to create breakthroughs in economic cooperation and promote connectivity between the three economies.

Regarding culture and society, he proposed the three parliaments join hands to examine the conditions to develop tourism, promote the “Three countries - One destination” model, and strengthen cooperation across healthcare, education and training, and cultural exchange.

On environment and climate change issues, he highlighted that they should step up coordination and discussions on relevant laws, and cooperation with competent international partners to promote the effective and sustainable use of natural resources, particularly the Mekong River, for common benefit.

Additionally, they should encourage governments and relevant authorities to enhance the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change response measures.

On defense and security, he said the three parliaments should continue their support for each other to maintain stability and order in each country, and prevent any forces from using one country’s territory against the other countries.

He also suggested that they create favorable conditions for the completion of land border demarcation and marker planting.

The three top legislators said that the establishment of the Summit contributes to deepening the friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

They affirmed their commitment to deepening cooperative ties and parliamentary partnerships to maintain close cooperation for the benefit of the three parliaments, thus nurturing the friendship and solidarity and enhancing comprehensive cooperation across various fields.

They also placed emphasis on the supervisory role of the parliaments in responding to global challenges, addressing shortcomings, and promoting the implementation of agreements and projects for the benefit of the CLV Development Triangle Area and the three countries in particular.

At the Summit, representatives from international, regional, and national organizations spoke highly of the cooperation between the three legislative bodies and that of localities in the CLV Development Triangle Area. They pledged support for the countries in their sustainable development journey, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and cooperation in the region.