The following is the Press Communiqué issued at the end of the official visit to Cambodia by Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic:

Dateline: Phnom Penh, April 28, 2000

3 - H. E. Mr. Sisavath Keobounphanh, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic hold an official talk with Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia at the Council of Ministers' Office on 24th April 2000. In the talk that was proceeded in a cordial atmosphere of friendship, profound understanding and frankness, the two Prime Ministers informed each other of the prevailing situations in each of their respective countries. They reviewed the recent development of the traditional ties of friendship and good co-operation between the two countries and shared unanimity on the direction for expanding the bilateral cooperation. Both Prime Ministers exchanged views on some regional and international issues of their common interest, as well.

4 - Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen appreciated the success in various fields obtained by the Government and the people of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in implementing their policy of renovation, especially the successful measures to bring the economy back to normalcy after the crisis, thus expanding the market economy and strengthening political and economic stability, good social order and the gradual betterment of standard of living of the multi-ethnic Lao people.

5 - H. E. Mr. Sisavath Keobounphanh congratulated the Royal Government of Cambodia for the continuous success they obtained in restoring economic development as well as in implementing National reconciliation, through which peace and security prevail throughout the country. The Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic appreciated also "the Triangle Strategy" put forward by Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen and the encourageous steps taken by the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia to undertake the reforms in five main fields: Reform of the Public Administration, Armed Forces Demobilization, Reform of the Army, Reform of the Public Finance System and Reform of the Judiciary.

6 - The two sides shared the view that the Treaty of Amity and Mutual Assistance between the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, signed on 10 December 1995 constitutes the basic principles for further strengthening the long lasting ties of friendship and good neighbourliness, all rounded and sustainable co-operation between the two countries.

7 - The two Prime Ministers appreciated the constructive efforts of the Joint Border Commissions of the two countries and agreed to assign them to continue their efforts in order to reach, as soon as possible, the Treaty of the delimitation of the boundary between the two countries, aiming at maintaining the border of lasting peace, friendship and co-operation, in accordance with the aspiration of the peoples of both countries. The two sides welcomed the fruitful result of the second meeting of the Cambodia-Lao Technical Sub-Joint Border Commission held from 7 to 11 April 2000 in Pakse of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

8 - The two Prime Ministers noted that, as mankind is marching into the new millennium, the changing world is facing many challenges as well as opportunities. The two leaders also noted that most part of the world population remains living in poverty; violence, environment degradation, armed conflicts remains here and there; drug trafficking and organized crimes become major international concerns. However, they shared the view that the development and co-operation remain the world's major trend. Facing this situation, the Government of the two countries reaffirmed that they will strengthen the co-operation with the international community, based on the principles of the international laws and the five principles of peaceful co-existence.

9 - The two sides shared the view that the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, will actively participate in all ASEAN activities. They reiterated the crucial importance of ASEAN in eliminating the economic gap existing among ASEAN Members in order to integrate the newer Members into the regional economy. In this spirit, the two sides expressed their satisfaction and strong support for OBUCHI plan aimed at promoting Human Resource Development. Furthermore, the two leaders are convinced that the Development of the Mekong Basin is an economic priority that plays an important role for prosperity of riparian countries and of ASEAN as a whole.

10 - During the official visit of H. E. Mr. Sisavath Keobounphanh in the Kingdom of Cambodia, three Agreements between the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic were signed:

• Agreement on Information Co-operation
• Agreement on Cultural Co-operation
• Agreement on Educational Co-operation

11 - H. E. Mr. Sisavath Keobounphanh, expressed his profound and sincere thanks to Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, King of Cambodia and Samdech Preah Reach Akeak Mohesey Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Samdech Chea Sim, President of the Senate, Samdech Krom Preah Norodom Ranariddh, Chairman of the National Assembly, especially Samdech Prime Minister Hun Sen and Lok Chumteav as well as the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia for the warm and cordial welcome and fraternal hospitality accorded to the high ranking delegation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.