(VOVWORLD) -Vietnam and Cambodia officially established their diplomatic ties on June 24, 1967. This historical event made a great contribution to the liberation, construction, and defense of each country. The 5-decade traditional friendship and solidarity provides a firm foundation for both countries to move forward.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (2nd right) met Prime Minister Hun Sen (2nd left) in Binh Duong on June 21, 2017 |
The special, neighborly relations between Vietnam and Cambodia have stood the test of time and been defined by leaders as precious assets that need to be preserved and developed.
Big leap forward
Since the 1990s, bilateral ties have flourished through the exchange of visits by senior leaders, who reiterated determination to jointly cultivate the traditional solidarity, friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh underlined the achievements of this relationship over the past half century: “The most significant achievement is that the two peoples have stayed united, stood side by side, and sacrificed lives for each other’s liberation and the right to live in freedom, happiness, and prosperity. Braving numerous historical challenges, the traditional friendship and fine cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia have been constantly consolidated and developed comprehensively and effectively.”
Jointly shaping the future
Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni told Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong at their meeting in Vietnam in September, 2012, that Cambodia and Vietnam are inseparable and that their precious relationship should be promoted during national construction and development. The two countries have forged closer cooperation under the principle of respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and sincere support for co-development. A peaceful and prosperous Cambodia in a stable and developing Southeast Asia is in Vietnam’s interest.
Amid the current complexity worldwide, leaders of the two countries stress vigilance and prompt prevention of any hostile forces’ schemes to distort the history of their friendly ties, provoke insular nationalism, racial discrimination, and denial of truth about mutual support during the common fight for national liberation. The two peoples need a shared perception on, and responsibility for, maintaining a stable relationship and protecting their valuable friendship for peace and stability in each country and in the region.
Marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year, both sides are renewing efforts to advance their good neighborliness and lasting friendship. Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said: “On this occasion, the two countries review their glorious history and educate the younger generations about their close, brotherly bond. We honor the heroes and heroines, particularly the Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, who laid down their lives for peace and to save Cambodians from a genocidal regime. Ministries, sectors, and agencies of Vietnam and Cambodia need to review their cooperation, learn the lessons of their success, and set targets for boosting bilateral economic ties.”