Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia Strengthen Trilateral Bonds in Historic Meeting

In a significant display of regional solidarity, leaders from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia convened in Ho Chi Minh City on 22 February for a high-level meeting that underscored their shared commitment to stability, security, and development. The gathering, hosted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Tô Lâm, brought together prominent figures including President of the Cambodian People’s Party and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. Prime Ministers from the three nations—Phạm Minh Chính of Vietnam, Hun Manet of Cambodia, and Sonexay Siphandone of Laos—also attended, reinforcing the depth of this trilateral partnership.

The meeting, held against a backdrop of increasing global and regional uncertainties, served as a platform to review past cooperation, discuss pressing challenges, and chart a future course for collaboration. At its core was a reaffirmation of the historic ties that bind these neighbouring countries, a relationship rooted in shared political ideologies and mutual interests.

A Foundation of Political Trust

The leaders emphasised that the stability and progress of one nation are intrinsically linked to the others, a principle that has guided their interactions for decades. Political relations, anchored by the ruling parties of each country—the CPV, the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP)—remain the bedrock of this partnership. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining high-level dialogue to strengthen trust among leaders, a factor deemed essential in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of South East Asia.

This political alignment has fostered notable achievements in trilateral cooperation over the past year. Defence and security collaboration, for instance, has been a key focus, with the three nations working to address both traditional threats, such as border security, and non-traditional challenges, including cybercrime and climate-related risks. The leaders agreed to enhance information sharing and coordination to safeguard their collective interests, a move that signals a proactive approach to emerging regional issues.

Beyond security, the partnership has yielded progress in economic, cultural, and educational exchanges. Trade and investment ties have grown steadily, while joint initiatives in science and technology have begun to take shape. The leaders expressed satisfaction with these developments but stressed the need for deeper integration to unlock further potential.

Economic Integration as a Priority

One of the meeting’s key outcomes was a consensus on prioritising economic cooperation. The leaders identified transport, trade, and tourism as critical areas for creating breakthroughs in their economic ties. Improved connectivity—through better road, rail, and air links—could serve as a catalyst for regional growth, particularly in border areas where trade has historically been a lifeline for local communities.

Vietnam, with its rapidly growing economy, stands to play a pivotal role in this integration. Its southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, the venue for this meeting, is already a major economic engine in the region, and initiatives to link it more closely with cities like Phnom Penh in Cambodia and Vientiane in Laos could have transformative effects. For instance, streamlined customs processes and joint tourism campaigns could boost visitor numbers across the three countries, capitalising on their shared cultural heritage and proximity.

However, challenges remain. Infrastructure disparities and regulatory hurdles could slow progress, and economic integration will require significant investment and coordination. While the leaders’ commitment to addressing these issues is clear, the specifics of how they plan to achieve such ambitious goals remain to be seen. If successful, though, these efforts could position the trio as a more cohesive economic bloc within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), enhancing their collective bargaining power on the global stage.

Preserving Solidarity for Future Generations

A recurring theme of the discussions was the importance of preserving the traditional friendship among the three nations, described by the leaders as an “invaluable asset.” This solidarity, forged through shared struggles during the 20th century, including wars of independence and ideological battles, remains a source of strength. The leaders pledged to enhance communication efforts to ensure that younger generations understand and value this history.

Educational and cultural initiatives will play a central role in this endeavour. Exchange programmes for students, joint cultural festivals, and collaborative research projects were highlighted as ways to foster mutual understanding. By leveraging each country’s unique strengths—Vietnam’s technological advancements, Cambodia’s rich historical sites like Angkor Wat, and Laos’s natural beauty—the trio aims to build a sense of shared identity among their peoples.

This focus on youth engagement is particularly timely given the demographic trends in the region. With a significant proportion of the population under 30, ensuring that the next generation values the trilateral relationship could be key to its longevity. The leaders’ emphasis on this aspect suggests a forward-thinking approach, recognising that political and economic ties must be underpinned by grassroots support.

Navigating a Complex Regional Landscape

The meeting took place at a time of heightened regional tensions, with South East Asia increasingly caught in the crosshairs of broader geopolitical rivalries. The South China Sea disputes, involving Vietnam and other ASEAN members, continue to simmer, while economic pressures from global supply chain disruptions and climate change pose additional challenges. Against this backdrop, the commitment to deeper cooperation among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia takes on added significance.

The leaders acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the current global environment and stressed the need for a unified response to common threats. Enhanced defence and security cooperation, including joint exercises and intelligence sharing, will be critical in addressing issues like cross-border crime and environmental disasters. While no specific agreements were announced during the meeting, the intent to explore new mechanisms for collaboration suggests that concrete steps may follow in the coming months.

There is also a broader strategic dimension to this partnership. By aligning more closely, the three nations could amplify their influence within ASEAN, advocating for policies that reflect their shared priorities. This is particularly relevant for smaller states like Laos and Cambodia, which often struggle to assert their voices in regional forums dominated by larger economies. Vietnam’s leadership in facilitating this alignment could help balance power dynamics within the bloc, though it remains to be seen how other ASEAN members will respond to this tightening of ties.

Looking Ahead to Milestone Celebrations

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Hun Sen and Thongloun Sisoulith to extend congratulations to their Vietnamese counterparts on several upcoming milestones in 2025. These include the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and national reunification on 30 April, the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day on 2 September, and the 135th birthday of President Hồ Chí Minh on 19 May. These events hold deep symbolic importance for Vietnam, marking key moments in its journey towards independence and unity.

The gestures of goodwill from Cambodia and Laos underscore the personal and political bonds among the leaders. Such expressions of solidarity are not merely ceremonial; they reinforce the sense of shared history that underpins the trilateral relationship. As Vietnam prepares to commemorate these anniversaries, it is likely that further joint initiatives with its neighbours will be announced, potentially including cultural exchanges or commemorative projects.

A Partnership with Regional Implications

The Ho Chi Minh City meeting represents more than a routine diplomatic engagement; it signals a renewed determination among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to deepen their historic partnership in the face of modern challenges. By prioritising political trust, economic integration, and cultural exchange, the leaders have laid the groundwork for a more resilient trilateral alliance.

Yet, the path ahead is not without obstacles. Economic disparities, geopolitical pressures, and domestic priorities could complicate efforts to translate rhetoric into action. For now, the commitment to collaboration offers a glimmer of hope in a region often marked by division and uncertainty. If the three nations can sustain this momentum, their partnership could serve as a model for regional cooperation, demonstrating the power of unity in addressing shared challenges.

As South East Asia navigates an era of rapid change, the bonds between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia may prove to be a stabilising force. While the outcomes of this meeting are yet to fully materialise, the reaffirmation of their “traditional friendship” sends a clear message: in an unpredictable world, these neighbours intend to stand together.