Cambodian people take part in a celebration of the victory over the genocidal regime held in Phnom Penh on January 25, 1979 (Photo: VNA)

National defense and international responsibility

In April 1975 after Cambodia wrest back independence, the Pol Pol-Ieng Sary clique turned Cambodia from a peaceful country into a giant hard labor camp with massive graves and genocidal policies against their own nation. The Pol Pot-Ieng Sary clique also invaded and massacred Vietnamese people living along the southwest border.

Despite the enemy’s provocative acts and war expansion attempts, the Vietnamese Party and State refrained and consistently pursued a policy of peace and friendship. But the more the Vietnamese refrained, the more the Pol Pot-Ieng Sary pressed on forcing Vietnamese people and soldiers to take self-defense measures. In response to the call of the Cambodian and the Cambodian United Front for National Salvation, Vietnam helped Cambodian people to overthrow the genocidal regime of the Pol Pot-Ieng Sary clique. Vietnam’s participation in the defense war stemmed from its legitimate defense rights and international responsibility and conscience of a nation which had been under oppression and fought against foreign invaders.

In that harsh, fierce struggle, the international loyalty between the two countries was upheld. Lieutenant General Trieu Xuan Hoa, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, and former Commander of Military Zone 7, said: “At that time, Vietnamese people were very poor but we still supported our neighbor, providing them with tents and food. We helped the Cambodian gather forces, train and develop the Cambodian revolutionary force. I lived and worked with Cambodian cadres and I understood them and their brotherhood sentiment.”

Historic milestone in Vietnam-Cambodia relationship

On December 31, 1978, Vietnam reclaimed its occupied territory. At the request of the Cambodian revolution, Vietnam sent volunteer soldiers to help the Cambodians. On January 7, 1979, Phnom Penh was liberated and the genocidal regime eliminated. Speaking at a ceremony in Hanoi on Friday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory of the southwest border defense war and the January 7 joint victory of Vietnam and Cambodia over the genocidal regime, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said: “For Vietnam, the victory of the southwest border defence war once again affirmed the will and strength of the Vietnamese people, while demonstrating the noble international spirit, the traditional fraternal and time-honoured relationship, and the pure and wholehearted help from the Vietnamese Party, State, armies and people to the Cambodian people.”

Many Vietnamese people were killed or injured during the war in Cambodia. Such sacrifices are remembered by generations of Vietnamese and Cambodian people. Cambodian Parliamentary Speaker Heng Samrin described the support of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers as the most humane support.” Cambodian Prime Minister Hunsen said: “Without Vietnam’s support, Cambodian soldiers and civilians couldn’t have liberated the country quickly.” Tep Ngorn, Vice President of the Cambodian Senate, said: “On behalf of the Cambodian Parliament, Senate, Government, Front and people, once again, I would like to express sincere gratitude to the Party, State, the army and the people of Vietnam for their great sacrifices to save Cambodian people from genocide, contributing to our quest for peace. Vietnam’s great, timely and effective support has helped turn Cambodia from a country immersed in war, sufferings and devastation into a country of peace, national unity, and development. “

The victory on January 7, 1979 was the outcome of the pure international spirit of the Vietnamese Party and State, solidarity, and national patriotism. The victory will forever remain a bright symbol of solidarity and loyalty between Vietnam and Cambodia.