High-level visits strengthen Vietnam-Cambodia solidarity and friendship

Vietnam and Cambodia are two neighboring countries with a long-standing traditional relationship, which has been cultivated by generations of people and leaders of the two countries. On the historical foundation of solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, high-level visits between leaders of the two countries not only deepen solidarity but also provide strategic directions for comprehensive development in bilateral relations.

Strengthening strategic trust

2023 and 2024 will mark a series of important high-level visits between the two countries’ leaders. These face-to-face meetings will not only facilitate discussions on strategic issues but also strengthen strategic trust and promote cooperation in many areas.

At the end of November 2024, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man paid an official visit to Cambodia, attending the 12th Plenary Meeting of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP 11).

During the visit, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man had nearly 30 official activities. He held talks with National Assembly Chairman Khuon Sudary; met with Prime Minister Hun Manet and President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), President of the Senate Samdech Hun Sen...

Notably, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Cambodian National Assembly Chairman Samdech Khuon Sudary co-chaired the inauguration ceremony and presented the Cambodian National Assembly Administrative Building. This is a gift from the Party, State and people of Vietnam to the Party, State and people of Cambodia, a symbolic project of the solidarity between the two countries.

In particular, National Assembly Chairman Samdech Khuon Sudary presented the Grand Cross of Merit of the State of Cambodia to President Tran Thanh Man. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasized that this honor is not only personal but also a recognition of the contributions of the National Assembly and generations of Vietnamese leaders who have worked hard to foster and strengthen the relationship of "good neighbors, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, long-term sustainability between Vietnam and Cambodia" for the benefit of the people of the two countries, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The working trip of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man continues to contribute to bringing the Vietnam - Cambodia relationship into a new stage of development on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, effective cooperation, and respect for each other's interests. At the same time, it sets out major directions and measures to improve efficiency, create new momentum for economic cooperation, and strengthen connectivity between the two countries in the coming time; contribute to consolidating strategic trust and deepening the relationship between the two countries, promoting cooperation between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the National Assembly and Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The visit also enhances exchanges and contacts between the committees and friendship groups of parliamentarians of the two countries as well as coordinating actions at international and regional inter-parliamentary forums.

Previously, in July 2024, General Secretary To Lam (then President) paid a State visit to Cambodia. This was his first visit to Cambodia in his new position, demonstrating the importance of the Party, State of Vietnam as well as the President himself to the close and trusting relationship between Vietnam and Cambodia. The visit is a milestone to consolidate, nurture and further deepen the relationship between the two countries.

During the visit, President To Lam met with Cambodian King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni; held talks with CPP President, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet; and met with President of the Cambodian National Assembly Samdech Khuon Sudary.

During the talks and meetings, the two sides agreed to promote and strengthen solidarity, trust and mutual understanding, bringing bilateral cooperation to an increasingly deeper, more substantial and effective level. The two sides especially emphasized the spirit of solidarity, attachment and friendship and the need to continue to educate the younger generation about the value and history of the bilateral relationship.

The two sides agreed to further promote economic-trade-investment, defense-security, border cooperation, labor resources, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides agreed to actively support each other in building an independent and self-reliant economy, while integrating deeply and effectively into the international community.

Promote comprehensive cooperation

On the other hand, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet chose Vietnam as the first ASEAN country he will officially visit in December 2023 after taking office. The visit not only shows his respect, but also is an opportunity to promote substantive cooperation in economics, trade and investment.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met with a delegation from the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association during his visit to Vietnam in December 2023. (Photo: Nguyen Tung)

The visit witnessed the signing of many important documents, including: Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation of Cambodia; Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry and the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce; Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations of Cambodia; opening a direct flight from Hanoi (Vietnam) to Siem Reap (Cambodia).

In particular, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with leaders of major Vietnamese businesses, affirming Cambodia's determination to build a strategic economic relationship with Vietnam. The agreements reached promise to create a foundation for the two sides to achieve a bilateral trade turnover exceeding 11 billion USD in the near future.

According to Cambodian press, Prime Minister Hun Manet's official visit to Vietnam contributes to consolidating and nurturing the growing friendship for the benefit of the people of the two countries, in the region and internationally.

Also in December 2023, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia Samdech Khuon Sudary paid an official visit to Vietnam. This was her first foreign visit as President of the National Assembly right after Cambodia held the election of the 7th National Assembly and completed the new leadership in August 2023. This was also an opportunity for the two sides to sincerely and trustingly exchange information about the situation of each Party and each country; the international and regional situation, issues that may affect the security, stability and development of each country and the contents, measures and orientations to promote the Vietnam - Cambodia relationship in depth, practically and effectively in all fields, including cooperation between the two countries' parliaments within the bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

Speaking to the press, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang commented: direct meetings and exchanges between high-ranking leaders of the two countries always play an important role in guiding and orienting the relationship between the two countries.

"Through meetings and exchanges between the two countries' senior leaders, the two sides reached many strategic agreements guiding the overall relationship. The two sides also affirmed to respect and fully implement the signed agreements and treaties, determined to build relations according to the motto of "good neighbors, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, long-term sustainability", and to preserve the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia forever," said Ambassador Nguyen Huy Tang.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/nhung-chuyen-tham-cap-cao-cung-co-tinh-doan-ket-huu-nghi-viet-nam-campuchia-207666.html