Vietnam wishes to fortify, expand ties with Cambodia: President

Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang (L) shakes hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh on December 23, 2014.

President Sang made the statement at a meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni after his arrival in Phnom Penh on December 23 for a two-day visit.

The two leaders expressed their pleasure at the good development of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

President Sang expressed his belief that the King, in his noble position, will continue to contribute to strengthening the bilateral ties for the benefit of the two peoples.

Meanwhile, King Sihamoni reiterated that the Cambodian people never forget the valuable support that the Vietnamese Party, State, Government and people have given them in every circumstance as well as in their national construction and development.

The host affirmed that his country will keep fostering the great solidarity and everlasting relationship with its neighbor Vietnam.

The same day, President Sang met with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, who said the Vietnamese leader’s visit is of great significance to the development of the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Prime Minister Hun Sen also extended his thanks to Vietnam for its support for Cambodia, especially its help to get Cambodia out of the suffering under the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime.

Had it not been for the assistance provided by Vietnam on January 1, 1979 (the day of freeing Cambodia from that genocidal regime), there would be no Cambodia as it is today, PM Hun Sen said.

The two sides agreed to finalize land border demarcation and marker planting soon to build a border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development between the two countries.

They also pledged to boost investment cooperation and take bilateral trade to US$5 billion in 2015. In 2013 and the first 10 months of this year, the two nations’ bilateral trade reached $3.4 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively.

They agreed to continue supporting each other at multilateral forums to which both countries are parties, and shared the same view that all disputes should be settled through peaceful measures based on international law and regional commitments.

The same day also saw President Sang meet with Cambodian National Assembly Chairman Heng Samrin and First Vice-President of the Cambodian Senate Say Chlum.

President Sang starts Cambodia visit on bid to boost relations President Truong Tan Sang met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni immediately after his arrival in Phnom Penh yesterday to discuss in depth the traditional friendship and comprehensive co-operation between the two nations.