(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen stated that the strong relationship between the Cambodian and Vietnamese armed forces plays a significant role in advancing overall cooperation and strengthening ties between the two countries.

Samdech Techo Hun Manet received a courtesy call by Nguyen Tan Cuong, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Viet Nam People’s Army, on Wednesday (Jun 4 ) at the CPP's headquarters.

At the beginning of the meeting, Samdech Techo warmly welcomed Nguyen Tan Cuong and his delegation to Cambodia. He expressed his satisfaction with the deepening Cambodia–Viet Nam relationship, which continues to grow stronger based on traditional friendship, solidarity, good neighbourliness, and win-win cooperation across all sectors.

Samdech Techo expressed confidence that the visit of Nguyen Tan Cuong would further contribute to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of military-to-military relations.

For his part, Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Tan Cuong thanked Samdech Techo for granting the audience and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to pay a courtesy call. He also conveyed warm greetings from To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, and chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam.

Nguyen Tan Cuong also expressed gratitude to Samdech Techo Hun Sen for leading the Cambodian delegation to attend the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Viet Nam in April. He praised Cambodia’s rapid progress and development, particularly in preserving peace, stability, and achieving notable economic growth.

Additionally, Nguyen Tan Cuong extended an official invitation from To Lam to Samdech Techo Hun Sen to attend the upcoming celebration of the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Independence Day.

In response, Samdech Techo extended his warm regards to To Lam and the chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam. He also expressed appreciation to Viet Nam for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Cambodian delegation during their participation in the April celebration.

Samdech Techo highlighted that 20 June 2025 will mark the 47th anniversary of Cambodia’s journey toward national liberation from the Khmer Rouge regime, a struggle in which he personally risked his life as a foundation of that historic movement.

Samdech Techo noted that Cambodian Minister of National Defence, Tea Seiha, will preside over the 47th anniversary ceremony. However, Samdech Techo affirmed that he will personally preside over the 50th anniversary event in three years’ time to commemorate the country’s historical liberation struggle and the sacrifices made by the Cambodian people.

During the meeting, Samdech Techo also underscored the importance of close military cooperation between Cambodia and Viet Nam. He underlined that this cooperation not only strengthens bilateral military ties but also contributes to broader relations and increased investment between the two countries.

Samdech Techo officially accepted To Lam’s invitation to attend Viet Nam’s 80th National Independence Day celebration.

Samdech Techo called on Viet Nam to expedite discussions aimed at completing the remaining 16% of the Cambodia–Viet Nam border demarcation.
=FRESH NEWS