By Xinhua
Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit arrived in Cambodia on Wednesday for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.
This is Bounnhang’s first visit to Cambodia since assuming office in April 2016.
According to the schedule, the Lao leader will be received at the Royal Palace by the monarch soon after his arrival before he has separate talks with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Say Chhum, National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin, and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Wednesday afternoon.
Bounnhang’s visit is a significant event to further enhance friendship and strengthen cooperation in all fields between the two countries and the peoples, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Further information:
https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/govt-officials-downplay-border-military-dispute-with-laos-125487/
The Cambodia Daily reports on the border dispute between Laos and Cambodia, the background to which the state visit is taking place.
The national newspaper reports that hundeds of Laotian soldiers entered Cambodian terriitory to prevent Cambodia from building a road which they believed crossed into Laos territory.
Government spokesmen stated that they don’t expect the situation to escalate.
Border disputes occassionally flare-up between the two ASEAN member states due to stretches of unmarked terriroy between Laos and Cambodia.
China Report ASEAN 