Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 24 – 24 June 2024 marks 57th anniversary of the official diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Viet Nam. The two countries established official diplomatic relations on June 24, 1967. The two neighbouring countries share border of more than 1,270 km and the same Mekong River water flowing across. The relations between the two countries are bound by historical, geographical, and political ties.

Although Cambodia and Viet Nam have had official diplomatic relations for just over half a century, the two countries have a long history of ties, dating back to the 15th century AD. During the Cold War, relations between the two countries were deeply intertwined, especially between the 1960s and 1970s. From the early 1980s to the early 1990s, relations between the two countries became more profound and closer as the two countries were comrades of the same socialist states.

Since the early 1990s, Cambodia- Viet Nam relations have reached a new political turning point, with Viet Nam maintaining a communist political regime while Cambodia assuming liberal, multi-party democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Despite the two countries have applied different political systems, their bilateral relations have remained strong and expanded.

As a post-conflict nation, Cambodia attaches great importance to peace and stability, both domestically and regionally, and is committed to promoting development and prosperity, and upholding five principles of peaceful co-existence in its relations with other countries.

Within the framework of bilateral relations with Viet Nam, Cambodia has adhered to the foreign policy of good neighbourliness, strengthening friendship and expanding cooperation within the framework of the bilateral relations, and supporting each other in international and regional forums. In regional forums, Cambodian and Viet Nam have always exchanged views on regional and international issues which are mutually beneficial for both countries.

Viet Nam, on the other hand, in its framework for bilateral foreign policy with Cambodia, it’s is not much different from Cambodia, Viet Nam has considered Cambodia as an immediate neighbour where good relations are considered a priority and must be nurtured.

In face of the internal and external context, Cambodia and Viet Nam have cultivated time-honoured friendship and cooperation characterized by profound political trust and functional collaboration across sectors. Their bilateral relations are developing in many fields. Cambodia and Viet Nam agree that strengthening and enhancing the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries are both necessary and important. Their reciprocal bilateral foreign policy highlights the strength of their relations.

Cambodia- Viet Nam ties continue to diversify, both on the bilateral and multilateral levels while gaining in strength in all areas of common interest. The two countries are jointly addressing common and global challenges, strengthening contacts at all levels and across platforms, and deepening mutual understanding will ensure they make greater achievements at the national and global levels.

In expressing their positions to each other, the leaders of the two countries have always highlighted their commitment to strengthen, expand and enhance their bilateral relations to a new level, which brings fruitful results and real benefits for both people and countries.

The new Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia led by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet as Prime Minister, continues to pursue foreign policy of good neighbourliness with Viet Nam and other neighbouring countries. In Cambodian perspective, good neighbourliness is an effective mechanism in increasing comprehensive benefit for neighbouring countries and improving cooperation that provides mutual benefit in all areas. Good neighbourliness is a foundation of regional and world security.

If disputes among neighbours happen, the region and the world won't secure. Thus, it is important for all neighbouring countries to build confidence, minimize hostility, cultivate peace culture and sustainable development, balance, and harmonization along the border. Hostility among neighbours, there is nothing else than the creation of insecurity and restriction of development.

Adhering to these principles and perspective, Cambodia’s foreign policy toward Viet Nam is based on traditional friendship, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, and seriously settle the border issues by peaceful negotiation and definitely avoid the use of force to solve the problems. Good relations between Cambodia and Viet Nam are not only mutually beneficial but also a positive contribution to peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and the world.

Based on the above-mentioned historical, geographical, and political factors, strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries is absolutely indispensable.

Therefore, both countries must continue to live together in peace and harmony with mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, not interfere in each other’s internal affairs, resolve issues peacefully and cooperate in all areas of mutual benefit that can be fitted the motto of the relationship adopted by the two countries – “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable and long-term cooperation” between the two countries in the coming time.

With this motto, it is hoped that the relations between the two countries for the next centuries will continue to grow broader, deeper, more efficient, and better.

Kin Phea is Director General of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, Royal Academy of Cambodia.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author.
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